Development News for Waukesha, Wisconsin

District Considers Digital Subscription for 'Intro to Criminal Justice' Course

The teaching and learning committee is reviewing and considering the adoption of a digital subscription to Sungage's 'Intro to Criminal Justice' resource for the criminal justice class. This is the third report on the process, following previous presentations on curriculum review and team recommendations. The criminal justice course remains popular among upperclassmen, with sections offered in all three face-to-face buildings and eAchieve. The adoption aims to provide a common resource and mentor text for the course, which previously relied on 'homegrown' materials. The teacher team reviewed four resources, aligning them with the semester-long survey course designed for an introductory college level. 'Intro to Criminal Justice' was chosen for its organization, varied opportunities, and in-depth coverage of constitutional law, police procedures, and the correction system. The resource aligns with the district's social studies mission, preparing students for civic participation. Teachers appreciated that the text is written by criminal justice experts and offers robust digital tools, including note-taking features, highlighting, video cases, and 'you decide' activities. The cost for a six-year digital license for an estimated 172 students (plus potential additions) is $35,775, which includes eAchieve. The committee discussed the potential need for physical texts for accommodations and the quality of the paperback version.

Resident Proposes Adoption of Center for Civic Education Curriculum

Tim Moore, a resident, addressed the board proposing the adoption of a civics curriculum developed by the Center for Civic Education. He highlighted the center's long-standing leadership in K-12 civic education since 1965, with flagship programs like 'We the People' and 'Project Citizen' reaching millions of students and educators. The center offers professional development, curriculum materials, and resources. Moore emphasized that the center's programs align with state social studies standards and are supported by various organizations. He detailed the 'We the People' curriculum's instructional strategies, including close reading, primary source analysis, civic dialogue, and a culminating mock congressional hearing. Recent research by Diane Owen of Georgetown University demonstrated the program's positive impact on enhancing student knowledge and teacher skills. Moore explained the curriculum's units cover historical and philosophical foundations of the U.S. constitutional system, the Constitution's development, governmental institutions, the Bill of Rights, and the meaning and challenges of 21st-century citizenship. He offered to provide further materials and expressed hope for future discussions on civics education in the district.

Hadfield School Achieves Significant Gains in Achievement Gap Reduction Program

The school district presented an update on the Hadfield Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) program. The program, funded by a state grant of approximately $450,000, has focused on instructional coaching, intervention, smaller class sizes, and staff training in literacy and executive functioning. Key initiatives include Cox Campus training, phonics emphasis, writing instruction, and weekly grade-level team meetings. A new position, Dean of Differentiated Supports, was created, and curriculum development for executive functioning goals is ongoing. The program has also leveraged community partnerships, such as with Carol University athletes, to provide positive role models. Staff retention is high, and significant efforts have been made to engage with families, including over 210 individual parent meetings. Literacy and math results have shown improvement, with a significant decrease in students failing state tests in these subjects compared to previous years. The fourth-grade team was highlighted for its collaborative approach to addressing student needs. Moving forward, the school will welcome a new leader, John, and continue to focus on building momentum, strengthening school culture, and supporting new families.

Middle School Elective Courses Revised to Align with New Schedule and Increased Minutes

The middle school team presented revisions to elective courses to align with the new middle school schedule, which features increased minutes per course and changes in the number of electives students can select. The new schedule includes a six-period day, with each class period lasting 59 minutes. Goals for the schedule include delivering a guaranteed viable curriculum, addressing time limits (especially for 8th-grade math), building in time for supports and enrichment, and aligning with the high school's AB schedule. Sixth graders will have a PE requirement, a music choice (including band, choir, orchestra, and a new music appreciation course), and an elective experience. Seventh and eighth graders will also have PE and three additional elective choices, with all electives on an AB schedule. Revisions to elective courses include incorporating a world cultures course into the sixth-grade wheel, which also includes art, family and consumer education (now 'Food, Family, and You'), French, Spanish, business, and technology education. Art courses are structured with a combined 2D/3D experience in 7th grade and focused 2D or 3D options in 8th grade. PE has minimal changes, removing 'lifetime wellness' to offer 'PE 7' and 'PE 8.' World language courses are now split into two parts (e.g., French 1A and 1B) across 7th and 8th grade to complete 'French 1' by the end of middle school, allowing students to enter 'French 2' in high school. A one-year exception will allow current eighth graders to take a full-year 'French 1' or 'Spanish 1' that meets every day. Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses are rearranged into pathways: Engineering (7th and 8th grade) and Building and Fabrication (7th and 8th grade), both incorporating CAD and engineering principles. Business courses include 'Shark Tank Biz,' 'Intro to Marketing and Sales,' 'Intro to Business and Technologies,' and keyboarding, with an expanded focus on personal finance. The revisions aim to provide students with a comprehensive look at elective opportunities and help them make informed choices for future pathways.