Core Curriculum
The primary level of Hess instruction is the Step Ahead series (also called the "N series," its old name), aimed at Elementary school children. Step Ahead consists of 16 levels lasting 3 months each and is meant to go from third grade to Junior High school level.
For children in grades 1-2, there is the Kid's Club series (or K series for short) that has 8 levels. At the Junior High point, Hess has developed several curricula for further study. Some of these are still undergoing development. Hess has several adult learning courses and is also planning a high school curriculum.
Hess has several key books that comprise their curriculum for students:
- Phonics - The very first thing students learn. The KK method of noting phonetical sounds is used. In higher levels, the Phonics book is replaced by one with a specific focus on memorizing KK instruction.
- Reading - Each of the 16 levels has a different reading book to introduce vocabulary and grammar.
- Patterns - This book focuses on specific points of grammar, such as different verb tenses, the making of questions (who, what, when, where, why, how), comparative and superlative adjectives, the passive voice, etc.
- Student Book - This contains activities and conversations that students use to practice their English.
Hess writes and produces all of its own curriculum, from books to audio CDs to props and artwork. Authors for Hess curriculum include teaching specialists, design specialists and current and former Hess teachers. Hess has also published supplements to their primary curriculum, including story books for children, English learning CDs and DVDs, and activity books containing a variety of classroom games and projects teachers are supposed to use.
Hess also published secondary curriculum materials available for use at other schools. However, the core books are exclusive to Hess schools. According to Hess, it has published over 1000 different titles, with 800,000 books used by students each year.
Read more about this topic: Hess Educational Organization
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