• CURRICULUM

  • ENGLISH & LITERACY

    Units of Study in Opinion, Information and Narrative Writing by Lucy Calkins for kindergarten through 8th grade and Units of Study for Teaching Reading for kindergarten through 8th grade were selected and approved by the Board of Education. Below are some of the important factors from Lucy Calkins that influenced this recommendation for our district:

    Reading
    Writing
    • Builds foundational reading skills and strategies
    • Supports the teaching of interpretation, synthesis, and main idea
    • Supports inquiry and collaboration
    • Supports teaching points, minilessons, conferences, and small-group work needed to teach a comprehensive workshop curriculum
    • Focus on opinion/argument, information, and narrative writing with increasing complexity and sophistication
    • Fosters high-level thinking, including regular chances to synthesize, analyze, and critique
    • Develops and refine strategies for writing across the curriculum
    • Supports greater independence and fluency through intensive writing opportunities

     

  • MATH

    Eureka Math curriculum was recommended and approved by the Board of Education for kindergarten through 5th grade. Eureka Math was developed specifically to meet the Common Core Math Standards, which were adopted by the State of Illinois. EdReports.org, an independent non-profit that reviews curricula, gives Eureka Math the highest ratings in all categories (focus/coherence, rigor, and usability in the classroom). Eureka Math builds students knowledge logically and thoroughly to achieve deep mathematical understanding. Below are some of the important factors from Eureka Math that influenced the recommendation.

    • Comprehensive K-5 resource that emphasizes the three major shifts (focus, rigor, and coherence) of the Common Core.
    • Mathematical practices and fluency are embedded in the curriculum.
    • Emphasizes conceptual understanding of math before procedural knowledge/conventions.
    • Highly rated by D41 teachers who field tested Eureka Math using the Equip Rubric, Alignment Criteria Rubric, and Perception Survey.

    In addition to the curriculum nights at all of the schools, there will be additional opportunities for parents to learn more about this curriculum in each of the schools at the beginning of the school year in the fall.

    The district provides training for teachers and will monitor MAP data, IAR data, as well as common assessments to determine the impact of the resources.

    We are excited about this opportunity to further support our teachers. If you have any questions, please contact your building principal.

     

    Click Here for the Math Curriculum Website

  • SCIENCE

    Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
    The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are K–12 science content standards. Standards set the expectations for what students should know and be able to do. These standards give local educators the flexibility to design classroom learning experiences that stimulate students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and citizenship. Students are assessed in 5th and 8th grade using the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA), however science is taught at all grade levels.

    CLICK FOR PARENT RESOURCES

         CLICK FOR THE NGSS SCIENCE STANDARDS

    SOCIAL SCIENCE

    The goal of District 41 Social Science is to produce students who are civically engaged, socially responsible, culturally aware and financially literate. The Illinois Social Science standards are designed to ensure that students across Illinois focus on a common set of standards and have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, dispositions, and skills necessary for success in college, career, and civic life in the 21st century. Here is a link to the Illinois Social Science standards. Social Science is taught in grades K-8th grade in District 41.

  • VISUAL ARTS - ELEMENTARY


    The mission of District 41 Visual Arts program is to provide children with skills, guidance and support in a respectful and creative environment, while optimizing potential for self-expression and broadening their understanding of the world.
    Through a myriad of media, processes, and techniques, students discover and explore elements of art and principles of design in artwork to develop essential knowledge and skills that will empower them now and into the future.

    PHYSICAL EDUCATION - ELEMENTARY


    District 41 Physical Education is a fitness based program. This approach to Physical Education gives students an understanding of how to live a healthy, active lifestyle. We emphasize three components of fitness: Cardio/respiratory fitness, Muscular Strength and Endurance, and Flexibility. We strive to help students understand how these components relate to their everyday activities and how to improve in these areas of fitness. Our goal is that students will be able to recognize these components of fitness in each activity they participate in and hope that one day they will be able to create their own fitness plan, incorporating all the components of fitness.

    MUSIC - ELEMENTARY

    The D41 Elementary general music department strives to instill a love of music for your child. We use various methods to ensure a well rounded music experience. We meld Kodaly, Orff, and Dalcroze styles to provide variety for students. We offer a 4th and 5th grade combined extra curricular chorus, which performs at various venues throughout the year. Our goal is to build a strong musical foundation for students, which can prepare your child for further musical study. Students will experience a variety of musical opportunities, including introductory guitar, recorder, pitched and unpitched percussion; in addition to developing vocal abilities.