Curriculum
The curriculum in School District 15 is continually evaluated by staff members and parents to ensure maximum effectiveness. The Curriculum Advisory Council, consisting of teachers and administrators, researches programs for study and recommends materials which provide improved learning experiences. Parents interested in participating in curriculum studies may call the assistant superintendent for instructional and special services.
Elementary school classes are self-contained, and junior high school classes
are departmentalized. Language arts, mathematics, science, and social
studies are taught at all grade levels. In addition, the subject areas listed below by grade
levels are also taught:
| Subject areas: |
K
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
| Environmental Education |
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Foreign Language |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
X
|
| Human Growth and Development |
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Music |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
| Visual Arts |
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
| Instrumental Music (Woods, Brass, Percussion,
and Strings) |
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Comprehensive Health |
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Career Education |
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Practical Arts, and/or Tech Prep |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
X
|
| Consumer Education |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
X
|
| Computer Literacy |
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Physical Education |
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
Human Growth and Development is taught as a separate unit within the Comprehensive Health curriculum. Content
and activities are carefully selected for the grade level involved.
Parent involvement is essential for the success of this curriculum.
Parents may view materials that will be used for instruction, and
have the option to withdraw their children from this unit of instruction
by sending a written request to the principal.
Instruction
Instruction is based on the belief that the basics are essential. The primary focus of instruction is on the development and application of reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Students also learn basic concepts in science and social studies. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on students becoming independent learners and problem solvers. Learning is enhanced through the use of technology.
Committees, composed of teachers, parents, and administrators, continually evaluate the curriculum and make recommendations for improvement to the Board of Education to ensure quality programs. Some of the special components of the instructional program include:
- Instruction in physical education. Intramural and interscholastic
activities are open to students in the upper elementary grades
and junior high school.
- Computer literacy instruction, beginning in kindergarten and
continuing through junior high school.
- A special program for third- through eighth-grade students identified
as gifted. The development of higher level thinking skills is
a major goal of the program.
- Foreign language, consumer education, and enrichment instruction
in seventh and eighth grades.
- Environmental, career, and health/safety/drug education instruction
for all students.
|
