Eagle UpdCritical to a strong educational foundation for our students is a systematic approach to curriculum and curriculum development that recognizes the ever-changing needs of students and the state and nation’s workforce. The cornerstone to a strong and vibrant curriculum is providing the knowledge base and the training teachers need to deliver a product that holds students and teachers accountable for the learning process. This is the goal of ISD 88 and legislative initiatives required for all public schools of Minnesota.

The World’s Best Workforce provides the pathway and the structure for accomplishing this goal. The World’s Best Workforce has the following five components to successfully meet the challenges of the 21st Century. First, all children must meet school readiness goals prior to entering Kindergarten. Second, all third grade students must achieve grade level literacy expectations. Third, it is vital to close the academic gap among students from all racial and ethnic groups, between students living in poverty and their more privileged peers, as well as students receiving special educational services with those who are not. Fourth, all students must obtain a high school diploma. Fifth, all students must attain college and career readiness.

District 88 has 14 curriculum areas that are assessed in a systematic review cycle. These are the 14 areas: English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Agriculture, The Fine Arts, Business, Family & Consumer Science [FACS], Guidance, Health, Industrial Technology [ITE], Music, Physical Education, and World Languages.

During the review cycle, teachers of that discipline assess their current curriculum, meet with the District Curriculum Advisory Committee [DCAC], review all local, state and national standards, adjust, update, and monitor the curriculum to determine the classes that will best suit those needs for students to pursue a post-secondary educational advantage in the new economy.

Dollars are set aside each year through Staff Development for teachers to learn and practice high-quality instruction, provide for a rigorous curriculum, and incorporate the use of technology. Through in-service days scheduled regularly throughout the school year, teachers are provided the time and the training to articulate the curriculum and review specific data to better provide for student achievement. This is done through a collaborative effort by teachers and is accomplished through our Professional Learning Communities [PLCs].

The new economy demands that education no longer resemble the 20th Century, but be innovative, creative, and cognizant of the future to best prepare all students to be productive and highly trained citizens.