At Escontrias Elementary the third grade teachers are committed to helping each child meet the academic and intellectual competencies expected at this grade level and become active, engaged learners in a classroom setting. We build on the skills and knowledge children have learned in preceding years and encourage critical thinking, creativity and respect for self and others. The manner of instruction – motivation, grouping, pacing, reinforcing and reteaching – is determined by each teacher to meet individual student needs. Expectations are, of course, modified or expanded to meet a child's needs and abilities.