

Curriculum Quarterly Update
2024-2025 (January)
STEELS Update
RLASD has been awarded a B-WET grant! We need your input to make sure that we use the funds in the best way possible to support our teachers and students in the area of science. All are invited to complete the brief survey. Survey results are due by Monday, February 3, 2025. Use the link below to access the survey.
More Information About the Grant:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has granted our district a B-WET grant that will support our efforts over the next three years, as we create a districtwide Environmental Literacy Plan that includes systemic meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEE), curriculum enhancements, and professional development. Through this survey, stakeholders will be able to communicate the needs of the Red Lion Area School District.
READY! Instructional Rounds
RLASD's READY! initiative is alive and well! Administrators have been visiting buildings to see this initiative being put into practice by teachers and students. We are working to visit every building and every classroom.
The Ready! initiative currently includes:
- Class Vision
- Class Code
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Deconstructing Standards (just beginning)
Administrators have been truly impressed with what they are seeing. Teachers are coming up with creative ways to incorporate READY! components into their classrooms, and students are embracing and showing enthusiasm for having a voice in how classrooms run. Our Instructional Innovators will continue to play a critical role in implementation planning and staff development.
Some things to consider moving forward:
- Is now a good time to review your Standard Operating Procedures with students, especially with changes in the calendar due to weather-related changes?
- Has your class grown and matured? Is it time to update the Class Code to reflect this new maturity that students are displaying?
- Can you tie your Class Vision into upcoming content that you will be covering?
Class Vision
Standard Operating Procedure
Deconstructing Standards
Grading at RLASD
Grading and assessment are a huge part of our work as educators. It is best practice to frequently review and modify grading procedures to keep current with changes in the field of education and the needs of students and teachers. Last year, RLASD established an ongoing 6-12 Grading Committee to research and develop plans for how to best implement grading across the district. Thirty-two teachers, department heads, and administrators are part of the committee. They meet quarterly to collaborate and plan.
Out of this group, came the following vision statement regarding grading in grades 6-12.
"We believe at RLASD that grading should serve as a transparent and consistent communication tool that reflects a student's responsibility for mastering standards."
Take some time to consider this statement. Ask yourself the following questions.
1. How does this statement align with my thoughts about grading?
2. Is this statement reflective of what is happening in my classroom?
3. Are there any practices that I am currently using that align or do not align with this statement?
4. How can I better align my practices to this vision statement?
Over the next few weeks, consider these questions and begin talking about them with colleagues. Engage in personal reflection and collaborative conversations around the topic of grading. This is just the beginning of the work. While it is challenging work, it is critical to continue to grow as a district to best support our students.
Elementary teachers, wondering what about grades K-5? Do not worry, we will be reaching out to you soon. You can start to consider the same questions as the ones listed above but apply them to your context.
Curriculum Work
Below is a list of the curriculum work that has been done so far this year, as well as what is coming up next.
So Far This Year:
- Continued work on K-12 Science curriculum documents
- K-6 Completed Stages 1 & 3 of UbD documents in Reading
- K-6 Implemented New Math Program
- SH Math Department piloting Firefly
- K-12 Curriculum Review Cycle Updates and Modifications
Coming this Spring:
- 7-12 ELA Department Structured Literacy Training (Morpheme Magic)
- K-12 Writing Curriculum Discussions
- 6th Social Studies/BizTown Discussions
- K-12 Priority Standards
- K-12 Common Assessment Development
Professional Development
Teachers have provided feedback, and we are listening. Teachers have been asking for more voice and choice in Professional Development offerings. The Professional Development Committee has been working behind the scenes to design a great day of learning for all that will occur on March 21, 2025. The PD Committee has come together with teachers and administrators from each level to collaborate and brainstorm. Teachers will have the flexibility to design a day that is relevant and personalized to each individual. To make this happen, we are looking for talented educators to share their expertise. If you have not already volunteered to run a session about a topic that you are passionate about consider offering to be a session facilitator. If you are interested fill out this form for presenters.
Let Us Know!
If something powerful is happening in your classroom or building, let us know! The Administrative Team wants to support you in your growth and celebrate your successes. If something is going on in your classroom, share the news or invite us to visit.