Wednesday, June 19, 2013

SchoolCenter Picture

 

Kyle Freeman

Assistant Superintendent

 Curriculum & Instruction

 



It is my privilege to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum for Mascoutah School District. It truly is an honor to work with the students, staff, and community to provide the extraordinary educational foundations that are necessary for all of our students to succeed in an ever-changing world. 

Our school district has a strong tradition of educational excellence, as demonstrated by our district report card. The district has closely aligned instruction to the Illinois Learning Standards and performance descriptors. This instructional alignment begins at the kindergarten door and continues through the senior year of study.

Textbooks and resource materials are on a review cycle which keeps instructional strategies and content current. Curriculum content is reviewed regularly in order to offer the best and most current opportunities and challenges for all students that prepare them for future success as adults. For example, we recently completed a K-12 review of Science. This review resulted in adding Advanced Chemistry at the high school and also added Biology as an option for all freshmen. Previously, Biology was only open to sophomores or freshmen honor students.

We are currently working on a review of the Language Arts curriculum and mapping the Mathematics curriculum in order to address the changes required by the recently approved Common Core State Standards. Illinois has joined forces with 43 other states to provide a common set of college and career readiness standards to all students. For more information on the Common Core State Standards please go to http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards.

In order to educate and prepare the whole child, the district also offers many opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities. We know that students who feel connected to the school, stay in school and perform at a higher level. In addition to a variety of sports activities and teams beginning at grade six, there are also clubs and organizations, beginning at grade four, which promote interest in scholastic endeavors and community service and involvement. Students are encouraged to participate as a way to experience personal growth and learn more about the world around them while enjoying a feeling of accomplishment.

Mascoutah School District, with its strong military influence from Scott Air Force Base – located within the district boundaries – is proud of everything it offers to students. A strong academic record, solid support from the community, and a demonstrated record of educational excellence mark this district as superior and attuned to the present and future needs of our students. We enjoy our partnership with parents in setting high standards that educate the future leaders of our country. I am glad to be a part of this school district. I believe in the educational opportunities provided here to the extent that my family lives within this school district. This is an excellent community in which to raise a family, but don’t just take my word for it… ask around! With your continued support, we will remain a “Community of Excellent Schools.”