Curriculum & Instruction
Across the schools in SAU#9 our focus is on teaching FOR learning so that we can realize the potential of each and every student. At the core of our instructional program are our district competencies. Competencies describe the "why" and "to do what" of learning. They require students to apply and transfer their knowledge of standards to new situations. The standards support the competencies, describing the skills students must know and be able to do. District competencies are based upon national standards including Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards and the C3 framework for Social Studies.
SAU9 District Competencies
English Language Arts/Literacy Standards
Mathematics Standards
We are committed to developing a personalized, competency based model of instruction in SAU9. Core curriculum materials include Lucy Calkin's Units of Study for both reading and writing at the elementary level. Everyday Mathematics 4 is the base mathematics curriculum material for students in grades K-6. At the middle school, College Preparatory Mathematics is the resource on which the core curriculum is based. Science, social studies, and unified arts units of study are developed by educators using a variety scientifically based resources aligned to standards.
At Kennett High School, educators have developed enduring understandings that are at the core of all learning. These enduring understandings represent what we expect all students to understand as a result of their time at Kennett. Each course has its own specific enduring understandings that are connected to the global ones. Curriculum design follows an "Understanding by Design" approach, where teachers begin with standards to clarify the learning goals, develop assessments to show student understanding and then craft learning activities that will allow students to achieve the goals.
Kennett High School Enduring Understandings
Students will understand……..
- Cooperation, rights, respect, empathy, and responsibility create an orderly and productive learning environment, establishing the foundation for citizenship.
- Literacy in all its forms is an important lifelong skill.
- Critical thinking is necessary to gaining new perspectives.
- Continually developing a strong work ethic is vital for individuals to achieve success.
- Modern global society is a result of the connections and interactions between people, culture, events, both past and present.
- Technology is a tool that can be used for collecting, organizing, creating and presenting information.
- Solving problems requires the application of technology, math, reading and writing skills.
- Active learning occurs through collaboration, observation, effective communication, taking risks and overcoming setbacks.
Mathematical and scientific models and reasoning are necessary to collect, represent, analyze and interpret data.
- Positive self-image can be developed through wellness, creativity and leisure.
Student learning is assessed in many formal and informal ways. At all levels, through the use of common assessments teachers are able to monitor individual student learning. Tools include Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessments for reading, common writing prompts, EveryDay Mathematics Unit Assessments, and performance assessments for science. At the middle and high school levels, departments have created common assessments based upon units of instruction. NWEA is use to monitor student growth in literacy and mathematics for students in kindergarten through grade 8. The NH Statewide Assessment System (NH SAS) is one standardized tool used to monitor student growth towards the Common Core State Standards for students in grades 3 through 8. At Pine Tree School they are using the NH PACE system (Performance Assessment for Competency Education) for the first time this year, replacing NH SAS in many grades and subject areas. At the high school, all juniors will take the SAT to meet state and federal accountability requirements.
