Instructional Expectations 

Lesson Plans

Lesson plans are to meet the minimum instructional minutes outlined in the instructional expectations.  They are to include the standard, lesson objective, teacher/student actions, along with how students will be assessed.  Principals will review their expectations at the start of each school year.  Lesson plans will be reviewed on a scheduled basis by site admin per district plan/expectations. 

Integrated Curriculum Model 

Grades/Departments will connect different content throughout their day as they focus on teaching the CCSS and ELD standards.  In 7th and 8th grade, teachers will work across departments to support one another through essential standard alignment. 

Writing 

All teachers use the Thinking Maps guide to teach/reteach the 8 maps.  Write From the Beginning and Beyond (WFTBB) supports direct instruction and independent practice through daily lessons.  Teachers are required to teach all types of writing based on grade level standards and should include on demand writing and penmanship.

Universal Supports 

Teachers will provide ongoing grade level/content area supports for students who have mastered standards and those approaching mastery based on their classroom data.  The supports provided to students will vary based on need.  Through this process, students may be identified for specific interventions within their grade level. 

English Learners 

Students identified as English language learners will receive daily language development support through a designated block, along with additional language support throughout their day (integrated).  Teachers will use the adopted core curriculum to support students during the designated language block with the use of the aligned ELD standards.  

Independent Study 

Teachers under the independent study program will follow the district plan for student assignments, which align with the required district instructional minutes by grade level. 

Teachtown- Alternative Curriculum 

Teachtown is the Alternative Curriculum that is used in all District ESN classrooms.  The linked document provides additional guidance regarding dates for student information setup and assessment. 

Digital Citizenship 

It is the expectation that each grade level completes the minimum requirement for digital citizenship as assigned by grade level.  The lessons are to be completed by the last Friday in September and teacher verification documentation turned into site administration.  Site administrators are to complete their documentation by September 30th and submit a copy of their form to the Curriculum Department. 

GATE

Students are identified through the District’s Cognitive Assessment. Throughout the day and during designated ELD, teachers may provide extension lessons to GATE students and other students identified by teachers within the grade level(s). GATE students shall participate in district competitions as set by site administration. 

Honors

Students entering 7th and 8th grade will be placed in honors classes based on academic achievement, CAASPP, and teacher recommendation. 

Physical Education, Performing Arts, & Arts in Elementary 

It is the expectation that students participate in the programs being offered at each of the elementary schools.  Teachers will attend and support the learning in each of these areas/time blocks while the PE, Performing Arts or Art teacher conduct their lesson.  The skills learned during this time will provide the classroom teacher with opportunities for extensions and collaboration. 

Homework 

Homework shall be independent practice, which is a review of material previously taught.  The day following an assignment, teachers will provide appropriate and immediate feedback to students.  If the student does not understand the homework assignment, the teacher is expected to reteach the concepts the following day.  Students enrolled in the After School SUCCESS Program are provided a designated period to work on their homework, which may not equate to homework completion.

STUDENTS may read independently 20-30 min per day, which may be a part or the entire component of the homework time allocation.

**Students on independent study will follow the instructional minutes provided by the district/site.  

Migrant Curriculum 

The Migrant Program utilizes programs that are not approved to be used during the regular day. Please review the linked curriculum.