William Penn Elementary is one of over 20 schools in Granite School District using a program called Interconnections. This is a program integrating the science and social studies core curriculum into thematic units. These units are completely aligned with the Utah State Core Curriculum. The curriculum is divided into thirds, each one known as a strand. These strands are America, World, and Environment. Each strand also integrates Thinking Skills, Thinking Behaviors, Multiple Intelligences, Life Skills, and Service Learning. Assessment is also integrated into the model. Various forms of assessment are used to track student progress.

The focus of Interconnections is to develop the learning process. Thinking Skills are strategies that help students understand how to solve problems, make decisions, and become independent learners. Thinking Behaviors are taught to enable students to develop behavior skills, social skills and creativity skills. Multiple Intelligences are used to enhance learning through a variety of learning modes such as language, math, visual, musical, working alone, and working within a group. Cooperative Learning is also integrated into the lessons.

The William Penn Elementary staff was one of the first to be trained in this model. Many of the teachers were involved in writing the curriculum that is now being used. This curriculum is now being adopted by districts throughout Utah and many of our teachers are involved in training other teachers to use this program. As the core curriculum is changed and brain research gives us new information about the learning process the Interconnections curriculum is revised and many of the William Penn teachers are involved in this revision.

Student motivation is high in this program, making it easy for parents to become involved. As students study the various topics, parents can support their child by finding related information and resources at the library, museums, Internet, and other sources.