District Curriculum Initatives

Technology in the Classroom - SMART Boards are utilized at the elementary level and wireless air slates at the secondary levels. Both of these tools allow teachers to present their lessons more effectively and also allow students to be more interactive during the learning process. Both the SMART Boards and wireless air slates work in conjunction with LCD projectors that have been installed in the classrooms. The technology combined with students clearly seeing the images on the large screen keep them focused and involved in the lessons. Teachers are also able to utilize video streaming and internet resources in their lessons with this technology.

4-Year-Old At Risk Preschool - This preschool program focuses on getting children ready for kindergarten. Throughout the year students will work on skills such as vocabulary, numbers, patterns, shapes, and estimating. Life skills like brushing teeth and learning how to get along with others are emphasized during the year as well. Students attend either a morning session or an afternoon session four days a week. Children must qualify to enter the program. For more information, call the district office at 785-229-8010.

Everyday Math - Students in grades K-6 are taught using Everyday Math curriculum. To learn more about Everyday Math please see the Everyday Math Parent Handbook.

Instructional Coaches - Instructional Coaches are experienced teachers that work with other teachers in our district to show them ways they can be more effective in the classroom. The coaches spend time researching various topics, looking at data, and observing other teachers so they will know better how to help the classroom teachers. All instructional strategies they model for teachers are based on research and have been shown to impact student learning. Using data to make decisions allows the coaches to focus on specific areas of student need. Working together with classroom teachers, instructional coaches have the ability to make a big impact in the classroom.
Brochure for Instructional Coaches

Poverty Training - All instructional staff in the district have attended workshops on understanding the effects of poverty on children. This training has allowed for staff to understand some of the barriers students from poverty face in the classroom as well as given them strategies to use with children of poverty. The poverty training is based upon the research of Ruby Payne, a child of poverty and former educator.

Curriculum Mapping - Classroom instruction is guided by curriculum maps that have been developed by Ottawa teachers. The maps provide a timeline of when curriculum will taught during the year, thus helping the teachers pace their lessons and make sure all the necessary curriculum is taught.