Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Clinton Public Schools
Welcome to the Clinton Public Schools Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment page. Our district is dedicated to fostering an engaging and cohesive educational experience that meets the needs of all our students. We understand that curriculum, instruction, and assessment are interconnected and work together to maximize student learning.
Curriculum
At Clinton Public Schools, our curriculum is designed to be rigorous, relevant, and grounded in state and national standards. The Office of the Assistant Superintendent collaborates closely with teachers and administrators to ensure that our curriculum aligns with our mission and strategic priorities. Using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, our Curriculum Renewal Teams (CRTs) create authentic learning experiences and varied assessments to clearly define what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. The District-Wide Curriculum Advisory Team (DCAT) provides ongoing guidance and feedback throughout the curriculum renewal cycle.
Instruction
Our instructional approach at Clinton Public Schools is diverse and student-centered, aiming to develop independent learners and critical thinkers.
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Elementary Level: Our literacy program is rooted in the Science of Reading and employs the state-approved EL Education Literacy Program. In mathematics, we use the Bridges in Mathematics program, and for science, we utilize the Mystery Science curriculum. These programs provide a structured yet flexible framework that supports both individual and collaborative learning.
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Secondary Level: Instruction focuses on our district's Foundation Skills and Competencies, a set of ten essential academic skills that students must master to become independent and collaborative learners. These skills are integrated across all disciplines to ensure a consistent and cohesive educational experience. At the high school level, students can access a variety of dual credit courses through partnerships with UCONN, Goodwin University, Quinnipiac University, and Middlesex Community College, as well as Advanced Placement courses in subjects such as math, science, social studies, world languages, English, and computer science.
Assessment
Assessment is a critical component of our educational process, providing valuable insights into student progress and informing instructional decisions.
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Early Literacy: For grades K-3, we use DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) as an early literacy screening tool.
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Elementary and Middle School: Students in grades 3-8 take the NWEA MAP Growth assessments in math and reading three times a year (fall, winter, and spring). These computer-adaptive tests help pinpoint each student's current learning level, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to meet their needs.
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High School: At the high school level, we use the PSAT and SAT as universal screening tools to assess college and career readiness.
Together with classroom work, assessments, and observations, these tools enable our educators to provide personalized and effective instruction that supports each student's growth and achievement.