Director of Curriculum, Staff Help Students Connect to Coursework

by Cathy Allie, Staff Writer

The last bus pulled away from the school, teachers hauled their belongings to cars, and custodians began the cleaning cycle. School was out for the summer. But summer work had just begun for Glenna Bult, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Grain Valley School District, and for staff throughout the district who assist with curriculum revision and delivery.

Summer curriculum work is typical fare in the district, and Bult helps guide the work. Examples of the work appear at all grade levels, Kindergarten through 12th grade, and Bult recognizes the importance of it.

"We are constantly looking at state and district standards to see if we are doing the best job we can of delivering curriculum and of providing ways for students to connect to that curriculum," Bult said.

A representation of Kindergarten through 5th grade teachers have been working over the last two years on a Math Task Force to look at instructional strategies and assessments. Sixth through 8th grade teaching representatives have been echoing that work.

At the high school level teachers examined Language Arts I and II, and Pre-AP English II and III for revisions. Additionally, math teachers reviewed the Pre AP Algebra II curriculum. The high school representatives are also always looking at ACT and SAT scores and how the curriculum can support those areas.

"We look at so many angles when planning curriculum," Bult said. "We review grade level expectations, as well as International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. Our goal is to have learning targets that are carefully aligned and then good curriculum to help students meet the targets."

Grain Valley students appear to be benefitting from a solid curriculum and delivery. The district ranks among the top school districts in the state of Missouri, having earned an overall score of 94.6% in the most recent state ranking. The ranking takes into account student academic achievement and testing points, evidence that students are reaching state goals.

Bult believes the district does a good job of providing the staff with numerous professional development opportunities, many of which happen on late start days or throughout the summer so that teachers can take advantage of the training and not miss teaching days.

Among the professional development sessions are the Student-Centered Coaching model, Project Based Learning, Multi- Tiered Support System, and a variety of technology oriented offerings, such as training for the district's 1 to 1 computer initiative.

"We are very invested in professional development and training. Staff can take advantage of opportunities that can help them in almost any teaching role they have,” Bult said. “And we work hard at making it a quality experience for staff. For instance, we are pleased to have the Buck Institute helping train us in Project-Based Learning at the high school and middle school levels. They are very well-known and respected for their work in that area, and they are helping us lay the groundwork for our program," Bult said.

One district initiative Bult is particularly proud of is the addition of Instructional Coaches at each district elementary. A future Grain Valley News article will feature the Instructional Coaches, who assist with reviewing data, help train other teachers in district initiatives, and can even model teaching or serve as co-teachers. The coaches are also particularly focused on being mentors to 1st and 2nd year teachers.