High quality instruction matters. Daily instruction (teaching and learning) at every 7Cs Academy campus will be through a rigorous, standards-based and competency-based educational model grounded in student expectations (SEs) from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This expectation addresses the Competencies virtue with Designing Learning. For simplicity’s sake, we use Competencies, and Content interchangeably because they refer to TEKS and SEs.  

To ensure students master both academic and non-academic outcomes, everyday lessons will use three simple prompts: We will ... I will ... Because ... For example, we will learn what is the hardest thing to get out of water to make it clear and safe for drinking. I will design a water filter using regularly available items. Because, water is vital to life. This intentional approach moves STREAMS/TEKS from the abstract to real world concepts.

The Governing Board and CEO appreciate the vision of legislators during the Regular Session of the 74th Texas Legislature in 1995, when they first authorized Charter Schools in Texas. The legislators envisioned that the essential knowledge and skills should ensure all children:

“demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to read, write, compute, problem solve, think critically, apply technology, and communicate across all subject areas.”

Based on 2019 student outcome STAAR data, the vision of the 74th Texas Legislature remains aspirational after 25 years. This is one more reason why 7Cs Academy is needed for San Antonio.