Itasca Public School District 10 has developed a Curriculum Guide with a scope and sequence for each subject area and grade level. Within the scope and sequence are skills and objectives with an accompanying time line for introduction, mastery, and development. Though this curriculum framework is very helpful for teachers, a more comprehensive set of learning outcomes in all fundamental learning areas as well as standards to evaluate successful achievement of outcomes is necessary. Through an assessment process designed to determine Peacock’s alignment to State Standards, a number of alignment gaps were detected. The following descriptions address these gaps.

Language Arts/Reading — A revision of the current scope and sequence will be undertaken during the 1999-00 school year by the department personnel, the principal and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum. In addition, local (school) learning outcomes are required for this area. This information along with more comprehensive exit outcomes will be developed.

Mathematics — An ongoing district-wide mathematics curriculum committee headed by District 10’s Curriculum Director, Dr. Marcia Tornatore, has representation from all grade levels and will finalize the documentation during the 1999-00 school year before official adoption of a new textbook series is completed. The 1999-00 textbook selection will support efforts in meeting outcomes. Teachers have supplemented the current curriculum in order to meet outcomes developed since the last adoption in 1992. Adjustments in curriculum, activities, and evaluation are made for students in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program and the resource programs (learning disability, special needs, and 504 plans).

Spanish — The 1998-99 school year was the first year of implementation for Peacock’s Spanish program. Following analysis of alignment to State Standards, it was apparent that some of the outcomes did not match State Goals and Standards. This gap will be resolved for the 1999-00 school year as more integration with our fine arts programs will occur. In addition, articulations with the high school to create consistency in teaching efforts will take place.

Music and Art — Music and art will continue to increase the coordination of the language used to describe, compare and contrast the elements and principles in at least two art works that share similar themes. An increased effort will be made to work with special education teachers to assist students with IEP’s. Adaptations of the music curriculum will be a priority for 1999-00.

Physical Education — Peacock’s physical education program will match most of the Illinois State Goals and Standards by the start of the 1999-00 school. The outcomes that will not be covered in PE will be accounted for in science. Assessments reporting to parents involving student performance in fitness and subject matter testing will be expanded using available technology.