Academics

Curriculum

The district’s mission is “Our students will be prepared for and eager to accept the academic, occupational, personal and practical challenges of life in a dynamic global environment”. Skilled and caring staff strive to achieve that mission using a variety of teaching methods and measurements of how well students are learning. All elementary grade levels and content areas use a standards based curriculum that is aligned with the State Standards.

Student Progress Reporting

You will be invited to attend a parent conference with your student’s teacher and access two report cards online. Your school will communicate more specifics about the reporting procedures and schedules. Scoring guides are on the district website at this link. If you have questions about your child’s elementary learning, please contact your teacher.

If you would like to know more about curriculum or about testing, please contact the Teaching & Learning Services Department at 425-837-7030.

Guidance/Special Services

Each school has a Guidance Team to help all students access a free and appropriate education. Parents may contact their school guidance counselor for more information about this process. If a student is suspected of having a disability, the Guidance Team may refer the student for special education or 504 assessment. The school psychologist assigned to the school will coordinate the special education process. For more information, review ISD Regulation 2161 and 2161P and contact your school. A copy of the special education notice of procedural safeguards is available at the following link to OSPI's Notice of Special Education Procedural Safeguards for Students and Their Families document. Additional information can be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s website and the district’s website.

Homework

The district believes that homework is a constructive tool in the teaching/learning process when geared to the needs and abilities of students. Purposeful assignments not only enhance student achievement but also develop self-discipline and associated good working habits. Homework, as an extension of the classroom, must be planned, purposeful, and clear. Questions about homework assignments should be directed to your child’s teacher. Reference ISD Regulation 2422 and Procedure 2422P.

Testing

State Assessment

Student progress is carefully monitored through state testing of the Common Core Standards. The Smarter Balanced Assessment is administered in grades 3-5. The district's assessment calendar and information on the SBA can be found on the district's assessment webpage.

Highly Capable Eligibility Testing

The CogAT Screener is administered to kindergarten students during the school day in the fall. The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), the Torrance Test of Creativity (TTCT) and the reading and math sections of the Iowa Achievement Test are administered during the winter in grade 2 during the school day. Additional information is available on the ISD Highly Capable webpage by clicking here.

Preschool Testing

The district conducts free testing for preschoolers who may need special help in the areas of hearing, vision, language, or general development. To learn more about Child Find, call Special Services at 425-837- 7085.