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Curriculum Overview

This curriculum is structured as a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) of skills, working backward from college entrance standardized tests (primarily the SAT) to foundational skills that young children learn. This approach allows learners to:

  1. Identify the specific skills needed for standardized test success
  2. Trace the prerequisites for each skill back to foundational concepts
  3. Follow a logical progression through interconnected skills
  4. Address specific knowledge gaps without unnecessary repetition

Core Sections

The curriculum is divided into three primary sections that align with the major components of standardized tests:

  1. Mathematics - Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics and more
  2. Reading - Focuses on comprehension, analysis, inference and vocabulary
  3. Writing - Addresses grammar, composition, argumentation and editing

Skill Progression

Each skill in our curriculum includes:

  • A clear definition and description
  • Direct prerequisites (the skills needed before this one can be mastered)
  • Learning objectives (what mastery looks like)
  • Examples and practice opportunities

Developmental Progression

Our curriculum spans the following approximate developmental levels:

Level Approximate Age/Grade Focus
Foundation Ages 3-5 / PreK Basic concepts and skills (counting, letter recognition, etc.)
Primary Ages 6-8 / Grades K-2 Fundamental skills (reading, basic arithmetic, etc.)
Intermediate Ages 9-11 / Grades 3-5 Expanding skills (multi-digit operations, paragraph writing, etc.)
Middle Ages 12-14 / Grades 6-8 Advanced fundamentals (algebra foundations, literary analysis, etc.)
Secondary Ages 15-18 / Grades 9-12 College-preparatory skills (advanced algebra, complex analysis, etc.)

How to Use This Curriculum

  1. Identify target skills - Start with the skills required for your current goals (e.g., SAT Math)
  2. Assess prerequisites - Check if you've mastered the prerequisite skills
  3. Fill knowledge gaps - Work backward to identify and address missing skills
  4. Practice application - Apply each skill in increasingly complex contexts

This curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing learners to enter at any point based on their current knowledge and goals.