As humans, we can only hold 4-9 pieces of information in our working memory, and even less when there are distractions.

At Rock Creek, with this fact in mind, we…

• Build pause points into classes to consolidate learning

• Have shorter 45 minute classes for learning new content, and longer 70 minute classes for discussions, labs, and projects

• Reduce wall decorations

• Require students to put their phones away for the day

Interleaving, or mixing up problem types, is proven to be more effective than blocking, especially in math. Mixed problem sets require students to distinguish between different problem types and apply an appropriate path to solve them, whereas blocked practiced only requires the same skill over and over. Furthermore, mixing new and old concepts together guarantees spaced retrieval practice.

At Rock Creek, with this fact in mind…

• Math problem sets assigned in class are interleaved

• Math homework is interleaved

• Math assessments are interleaved

You will be amazed how much your child’s math skills grow!

When we recall something from memory it strengthens our ability to access it in the future. When we try to remember information but can’t, it spurs us to remember it in the future.

At Rock Creek, with this fact in mind…

• Students take their own notes instead of receiving completed handouts

• Students learn and practice retrieve-taking

• Our teachers often do brain-buddy-book at the start of class

• We have frequent and routine low-stakes quizzes

Practicing a skill on repeat creates momentary strength, but the skills are fragile and easily forgotten. Spaced practice, on the other hand, boosts learning. Spaced retrieval is not an add-on but a way of structuring how students revisit material.

At Rock Creek, with this fact in mind…

• Each Friday, we have a review session, where students revisit past concepts

• We have small weekly quizzes

Reflection gives students the chance to practice retrieval, which improves how easily we can access information, and elaboration, which increases our points of access to that information.

At Rock Creek, we built time into our schedule for a 10-minute reflection at the end of every day, during which students write what they learned & what was challenging, then share with their peers. On Fridays, we have a longer “Week in Review,” where students reflect on content and process, and plan for the week ahead.

Elaboration is the process of giving new material meaning by expressing it in your own words and connecting it with what you already know. Elaboration helps new material enter long-term memory, and there are no known limits to long-term memory.

At Rock Creek, with this fact in mind…

• Our lessons, units, and courses are sequenced to build on prior knowledge; for example, Global Human & Physical Geography in 6th grade sets students up for a two-year world history sequence in 7th & 8th grade. 

• Class activities like stop & jot prompt students to make connections and put ideas in their own words

• Open-ended questions and discussion allow for constant elaboration

• Data science and fieldwork offer new lenses to view material through which new connections are made

Sleep is crucial to memory consolidation, and a lack of sleep impairs cognition.

At Rock Creek…

• School starts at 8:30am, the recommended start time of the American Academy of Pediatrics; students at schools that open at 8:30am vs. schools that open even a half hour earlier are shown to sleep longer, be happier, have better cognitive development, better physical health, and better grades

• We have a manageable homework load, so that students never stay up too late working and can have a life bigger than school. Read more about our homework policy here.