FAQ

Our curriculum offers place-based units centered on local culture, environment, and community. Each unit focuses on a big idea unique to Sitka and it's seasons and people. It includes interdisciplinary lessons connected to ELA, Science, Social Studies, and Math. Units are tailored by grade level but follow common themes to help students deepen their understanding of place as they grow.

 Each unit is aligned with Alaska State Standards, the Alaska Cultural Standards, and Common Core where applicable. Learning goals are clearly outlined to ensure students meet academic benchmarks while exploring local content in meaningful ways.

Yes! Lessons are designed to be flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of younger or older students. Many units provide extension ideas, scaffolded questions, and suggested modifications for different developmental levels and learning styles. Note: the units are designed to build off of each other each year as a student goes through SSD.

 Most units are designed to last between 1–4 weeks, depending on how deeply you explore each lesson and how much time you dedicate per week. Some units are best taught seasonally (e.g., harvest, migration), and we offer guidance for pacing and integration with your yearly curriculum map.

Each unit comes with detailed lesson plans, suggested read-alouds, student worksheets, discussion prompts, visuals, family letters home and hands-on activity instructions. Many units also include anchor charts, rubrics, and links to videos or local resources to enrich learning.

We include a variety of assessment tools such as reflection questions, discussion prompts, rubrics for projects, exit tickets, and optional quizzes. Many units also feature a culminating task or celebration that allows students to demonstrate their learning in authentic, creative ways.

Yes. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate during planning time or through professional learning communities. Periodic training or coaching may be offered, and some schools support team-teaching or co-planning, especially for cross-grade or cross-subject integration.

Our lessons are rooted in the history, values, and environment of our local community. Many incorporate traditional knowledge, local stories, and seasonal events. Students may engage with Elders, community leaders, or natural spaces to build authentic connections to their learning. We encourage teachers to seek out opportunities for people to come in and share their understanding of the lesson/unit/topic as much as possible!

Family and community engagement is a key part of place-based learning. We encourage inviting guest speakers, sending home reflection questions, organizing field trips, or sharing student work through family events, newsletters, or classroom displays. Many units offer specific suggestions for how families can participate.

Each unit includes a materials list—typically classroom basics (paper, markers, clipboards) and natural or recycled materials (e.g., leaves, rocks, containers). For more specialized activities, we provide options for using what’s available locally or suggest simple alternatives.

For off-campus experiences or activities like cooking or tool use, it may require permission slips or safety guidelines. Each unit notes when extra steps are needed and provides sample forms or checklists if applicable. Culturally sensitive material is shared throughout the units and are for educational purposes only. Defer to the cultural department for any requests specific to information found within the units. 

Always feel free to reach out to the cultural department for any help and we can connect you with the right person. ACT@sitkaschools.org, leblancj@sitkaschools.org, or call 907-621-8039

Each unit includes ideas for modifying instruction for English Language Learners, students with IEPs, and advanced learners. Strategies may include sentence frames, vocabulary visuals, leveled texts, peer support, and project choice. Teachers are encouraged to tailor lessons to their students’ needs and strengths.

Absolutely! Many lessons offer opportunities to integrate art, music, coding, digital storytelling, or data collection. You can also connect themes across subjects. For example, combining a science investigation with a narrative writing piece or using mapping software for a geography unit.

Start by choosing a unit that fits your grade level and the season. Review the overview and download the full lesson sequence. Meet with your teaching team if possible to plan, gather materials, and make any necessary adjustments. Feel free to adapt the pacing and activities based on your class needs. And don’t forget to invite your students into the excitement of learning about the place they live