Curriculum
Curriculum Development
District 64 is committed to providing an exemplary program of instruction for students. Curriculum at each grade level has been designed to promote achievement of the Illinois Learning Standards. District 64 implements a systematic process for curriculum review that enables us to address changes in state and national standards, implement research-based instructional practices, maintain materials, and responsibly plan for purchases. It also ensures that revisions undertaken within a school year are manageable in terms of time and resources
Curriculum Overview
Students in all grades receive instruction in the basics of language arts (which include reading, writing, word study, and, speaking and listening skills), math, science, social studies and health. In addition, students in grades 2–5 learn Spanish. At grade 6, students select either Spanish or French for one semester. At grades 7 and 8, students can elect to take a two-year foreign language course (equivalent to a Freshman year high school class).
District 64 is committed to providing instruction in physical education and the fine arts. Students in kindergarten receive physical education instruction three times per week, music twice per week and art once a week. Students in grades 1–5 receive physical education instruction four times per week, music twice per week and art once a week. At the middle schools, students participate in daily physical education. All middle school students also are required to participate in a health class each year. In both grades 6 and 7, students are required to take a trimester each of art and music. Additional elective courses in art and music are available to students in grades 7 and 8 as well as elective offerings in the practical arts (computer technology, family and consumer science, industrial technology) and core subjects of language arts, math, science and social studies.
Development of students’ critical thinking, problem solving, and social/emotional skills is also a high priority within our educational program. Students receive explicit Instruction in various SEL topics over the course of the school year. Instruction in these areas is also accomplished through school-wide community building activities.
District 64 has adopted a 21st Century Learning Plan featuring 1:1 learning. For grades 3–8, the plan includes a 1:1 Chromebook device; grades K–2 have iPads in the classroom to assist their learning. These tools help support the learning goals of the Common Core State Standards and the District’s priority standards. At each grade level, students explore “digital citizenship” to demonstrate safe, ethical, and responsible behaviors related to information and technology (e.g., ensuring personal privacy, online safety, respect of copyright, care of technology, respectful communication with others).
See the links below to access our Core Resource List and an overview of the curriculum at each grade level.
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