Academics are at the core of the Scappoose School District, with the goal of having each educator, parent, and the greater community collectively contribute to cultivating passionate lifelong learners for an ever-changing world.
The Student Achievement Team is committed to providing multi-tiered systems of support that allow us to meet the needs of the individual child to create optimal learning experiences. We carefully select guaranteed and viable curriculum that supports learning through aligned academic standards, student-friendly learning targets, and highly effective teaching strategies. The Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP), SSD Strategic Plan, and Federal IA and IIA Programs are also under the umbrella of this department.
Our department strives to ensure instructional leadership and coaching of our staff so they may deliver quality instruction. SSD is grounded in evidence-based practices that strengthen the academic core and address the learning needs of every student. The team is focused on professional development for all staff members to ensure they are prepared for 21st-century teaching and learning.
Meet the Student Achievement Team
Jen Stearns
Director of Student Achievement
Jen is passionate about education, leadership, and telling a story, which makes being the Director of Student Achievement her perfect fit. Jen is starting her 7th year with the Scappoose School District, where was previously the Principal of Grant Watts Elementary School. In addition to her current leadership roles, Jen has been an educator for over 20 years in K-12 classrooms across multiple content areas, special education, and literacy. Her main goal is to be a catalyst for change and a champion of innovation in education. Jen lives by the philosophy that success is always under construction!
Kelly Cassell
K-6 TOSA
Instructional Coach
Kelly is passionate about building relationships and encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. She has taught in two states, three school districts, multiple grade levels and subjects, and used many curriculums. Through her experience, she has learned the importance of collaboration and she strives to add value to the school climate wherever she works. Her strengths include building relationships with students and staff, highly effective classroom management strategies and implementation, as well as research-based education practices that are proven to increase student growth. She is thrilled, and humbled, to have been given this opportunity to work with the fantastic educators and students of Scappoose School District.
Bryan Wilkins
District MTSS Coach
Bryan is passionate about creating and sustaining effective instructional systems that serve the needs of all our students. Through his work as our district MTSS Coach, he supports school teams with training and resources to ensure we effectively match students with the supports they need to be successful. Bryan also supports our schools in the continuous improvement planning process.
This year marks Bryan's fourteenth year in education and eleventh in Scappoose. In addition to his work supporting MTSS, Bryan teaches music at Otto Petersen Elementary.
DO-IT HUB Tool for Scappoose School District Educators
SSD Educators may visit the HUB (hyperlinked above) to access resources supporting instruction and professional development.
In partnership with families and the community, Scappoose School District is dedicated to cultivating students who are leaders, communicators, thinkers, principled, and caring by:
Ensuring a safe, healthy, and supportive environment that promotes the emotional, social, and psychological wellness of each person
Providing rigorous and innovative programs through high standards of teaching and learning
Preparing students to demonstrate leadership, self-direction, confidence, and a strong work ethic to help guarantee a sustainable future
Building, supporting, and retaining a caring, highly trained staff who promote creative expression and critical thinking
Developing cultural competence while embracing diversity for all students
Offering a variety of experiences and opportunities in and out of the classroom.
Check out the Scappoose Early Learning Center - Little Lilu Preschool Classroom.
As part of the strategic plan, SSD strives to provide early childhood experiences aligned with the Profile of a Graduate outcomes and designed to prepare students and families to successfully enter kindergarten.
