Academic Program
The Hill School’s evidence-based methodology addresses students’ identified foundational gaps in reading, written language, and math.
The language arts program, which is based on the work of Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, consists of a multisensory structured approach to reading and written language. It is:
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Explicit – directly taught, thus students are not expected to discover language concepts simply from exposure to language or reading
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Systematic and Cumulative – language concepts taught in an orderly, planned way while explaining how each element fits into the whole
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Hands-on, Engaging, and Multimodal – taught using all senses and creating movement and tactile experiences
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Sequential – each skill is taught in a logical order
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Diagnostic and Responsive – use of student responses guide the pace and the way concepts are presented
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Taught for Mastery – skills are introduced and practiced each day until mastered; mastered skills are reviewed to promote long-term retention
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Given with Immediate Feedback Supported via Learning Strategies – prompts, cues, and mnemonic devices
*The Hill Methodology was developed by The Hill Center in Durham which is approved by the IMSLEC (International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council).
READING
WRITING
MATH
The reading class uses systematic phonics instruction for word attack and emphasizes word recognition through phonological awareness exercises, decoding, vocabulary development, fluency drills, oral and silent reading, as well as reading comprehension.
Written language instruction includes spelling, paragraph dictation, copying, handwriting, grammar and mechanics, creative writing, and composition.
Math classes provide multisensory instruction with emphasis on automatic recall of math facts, developing number concepts, following mathematical procedures, speed and accuracy in computation, and increased problem-solving skills.
