Curriculum and Instruction

Kaitlin Ring

Director of Instructional Services

Contact

The Southwestern Central School District is committed to providing curriculum in all content areas that is aligned to the NY P-12 Learning Standards and ensuring that the instruction provided to our students is rigorous and reflects best practices. Consequently, our District continually engages in a Professional Learning Community process which requires a constant analysis of data to determine how we are doing and where adjustments need to be made to curriculum and/or to instructional practices. Identified needs are then addressed through quality, ongoing staff development efforts. We constantly challenge our staff to grow as professionals and remain current in the field of education. All of these efforts are for one purpose: student achievement.

NYS Curriculum

NYS Report Card

NYS Testing

Parent Resources

photo of family having a picnic on a green hill

Toolkit for Parents and Families

This link provides resources such as the following:

The Science of Reading Literacy Briefs
Academic and Linguistic Demands
Archived EngageNY Resources
Current Graduation Requirements (Please note we are closely watching recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission to make necessary adjustments to Southwestern’s graduation requirements. This link will take you to current requirements and information about options for NY state diplomas: Graduation Requirements | New York State Education Department (nysed.gov)
Frequently Asked Questions about Graduation Requirements: FAQ | New York State Education Department (nysed.gov)

NYS Blue Ribbon Commission- Blue Ribbon Commission | New York State Education Department (nysed.gov)

Please Note: This page contains links to outside sources. The Southwestern Central School District is not responsible for any content housed/published on those sites.

Portrait of a Graduate

Parent Need-to-Know Information

The New York State Portrait of a Graduate outlines what your child will gain from their P-12 education to support their ability to thrive in college, careers, and as an engaged citizen in today’s world. The Portrait supports your child’s success beyond high school graduation.

Whole-Child Development

The Portrait supports your child’s growth in every way. Your child will grow academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally. The emphasis on whole-child development will better prepare your child for college, careers, and life as an engaged citizen.

Equity and Belonging

Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education (CR-SE) is at the core of the Portrait. Educators and leaders will work to make your child feel seen, heard, and valued at school. Educational communities will strive to create a learning environment where your child can thrive.

Authentic Application

Portrait skills - such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking - will be embedded into real-world projects, interdisciplinary units, and work-based learning. Your child will be encouraged to apply these skills in ways that reflect their lived experiences and aspirations.

Shared Values

The Portrait was designed with input from students, families, educators, leaders, and communities across New York State. The Portrait reflects our shared values for children: to be ready to learn, grow, create, work, and contribute.

Your Child’s Performance

Schools will use varied strategies to assess your child’s achievement and progress in the attributes of the Portrait. Strategies may include performance tasks, portfolios, projects, and presentations of learning.

What Can I Do Now?

Discuss the Portrait with your child, their teachers, and administrators. Visit the Department’s Portrait of a Graduate webpage for additional guidance related to the Portrait.