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1 Project GIFT Abingdon has spearheaded an original instructional program called Project GIFT: Gaining Instruction,
Fostering Talents. By eliminating almost all early-release Wednesdays, Abingdon students gain three weeks of instruction.
With the extra time, children expand their learning spectrum in courses such as Architecture, Instrumental Music, Science
Lab, and 21st century communications. An Arlington Public Schools evaluation called the program “exemplary.”
Download evaluation of Project GIFT by Mark A. Johnston, Assistant Superintendent, Instruction
2 High Standards and Test Scores
In 2007-08:
Based on preliminary test results, 100% of Arlington public schools are fully accredited, having met all state standards
and 21 Arlington schools (including Abingdon Elementary) met all objectives required by the federal government for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Final results due later this Fall.
In 2006-07, third graders scored:
90.0 in English
91.4 in Math
100.0 in History
96.7
in Science
In 2005-06, third graders scored:
97.1 in English
97.6 in Math
97.4 in
History
97.5 in Science
In 2004-05, third graders scored:
95.3% in English
97.8%
in Math
97.9% in History
93.3% in Science
N.B.: Scores went down slightly in 2006-07 due to new
federal regulations requiring schools to administer the same tests to all students, including those who have less than a year
of English experience.
3 Multiple Intelligences In collaboration with Harvard University’s Project Zero, Abingdon follows the
Multiple Intelligences Theory, which identifies at least eight different intelligences, including linguistic, logical-mathematical,
musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Abingdon’s teachers are trained to present
their lessons in a wide variety of ways using music, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips,
inner reflection, and more.
Harvard's Project Zero
Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory
4 Instrumental Music All 4th grade students learn how to play the violin by the Suzuki method. Fifth graders
choose to continue with the violin or begin a wood, brass or percussion instrument. Third graders learn to play the recorder
and K-2 students receive music training using the Orff instructional technique.
Click to learn more about the proven benefits of music education
Click to hear about music education's benefits to children
5 Science Lab Students work together to solve science problems, hypothesizing ways to come up with conclusions
for their experiments and providing evidence for their findings. These hands-on activities help students grasp the “big
idea” for enduring understanding of the content being presented so they can apply their knowledge to real-life situations.
6 Devoted Teachers and Principal come early, stay late, and put their heart into their work. Did you know Joanne
knows each child by name? More about the Principal
Read about Abingdon's Physical Education teacher
phys ed
7 Architecture In this interdisciplinary course, Abingdon students combine social studies and math concepts as
they make scale models of architectural structures such as Greek and Roman temples or Indian tee-pees. While they learn about
other cultures and civilizations, they develop critical math skills needed to design and construct miniature versions of historical
creations.
Read an article about Abingdon's Architecture class
8 It's a "Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA)" School Abingdon is one of two elementary schools in Arlington
chosen to participate in this successful Kennedy Center arts-integration program. Arts-integrated teaching makes natural
and significant connections between subject areas and art forms. Abingdon teachers are trained to integrate dance, drama,
music, visual arts, poetry, and storytelling with core academics, such as language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics.
Students master learning objectives in both the subject area and the art form. More...
9 Digital Video Journalism Abingdon’s morning news show, the Cardinal News Network (CNN), is broadcast
throughout the building via closed circuit television. The program is run by upper-grade students: broadcast anchors focus
on articulation and projection, while technical interns learn to use equipment such as digital video cameras, audio boards,
and video switchers. Students also create claymation movies with digital camcorders and video editing stations in Abingdon’s
stop action studio.
Read more about Abingdon's Modern Communications class
10 University Partnerships In addition to its collaboration with Harvard, Abingdon also partners with
other top research institutions to employ best teaching practices. For example, Abingdon teachers are trained in Stanford
University’s TCI Learning Alive! approach (learning through dynamic, participative experiences instead of passive, teacher-centered
lectures), University of Virginia’s Word Study (learning spelling through word structure and phonics), as well
as the Kennedy Center’s Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA), integrating visual arts, dance, drama, and
music with other subject areas.
Abingdon Elementary School
Abingdon is located in Fairlington in South Arlington. It serves the neighborhoods of Claremont, Columbia Forest, Fairlington,
and Shirlington.
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