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Curriculum
and Assessment
Darien Public School District # 61 has developed curriculum which is aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards. These Learning Standards were developed by the State of Illinois in 1985 to define what all students in all Illinois public schools should know and be able to do in the seven core areas (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Development & Health, Fine Arts, and Foreign Languages) as a result of their elementary and secondary schooling.
The areas listed below indicate the curriculum areas that teachers within district 61 have developed to meet the standards and prepare students for the Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT). The State of Illinois requires that all student in specific grade levels complete ISAT, in the Spring of each year, based on the following schedule:
Math Assessment in grades 3 - 8
Science Assessment in grades 4 and 7
Reading Assessment in grades 3 - 8
Writing Assessment in grades 3 - 8**
**Writing Assessment is being phased back in beginning with grades 5 and 8 in the Spring of 2007. Grades 5, 6, and 8 in 2008 and Grades 3, 5, 6, and 8 in 2009.
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Language Arts
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Math
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Science
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Social Studies
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PE/Health
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Spanish
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Explore
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| Elementary |
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tba
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n/a
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n/a
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| Jr. High |
6th |
7th |
8th |
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tba |
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Writing 
The goal of District #61 is to understand that writing is a complex process that evolves from thought and oral forms to written language. The process is more than practicing isolated skills and reflects a student's personal interpretation and voice. The process of writing is recursive and includes many steps.
It is the belief of District 61 that this process can improve student writing through the evaluation of results; developing a common vocabulary; incorporation of the Illinois Writing Framework; and use of peer editing. Grammar is necessary for quality writing and most relevant when developed in the context of writing.
The writing document has aligned what is currently being done with instruction in District # 61at all grade levels. It has been complied by the writing committee based on gathering information from all staff members. The committee continues to work on developing common vocabulary for all students as they continue with their writing education.
Writing Committee Members:
Janet Boslett, Bonnie Bucholz, Ann Centers, Gerry Dulkoski, Meredith Holdman, Jorie Kaspar, Marian Krupicka, Michelle Ktistou, Kristie Lupella, Melissa McGannon, Kim McShea, Kristin Shell, and Jen Reyes.