The Winnetka Public Schools utilizes a six-year curriculum review process. This process involves a review of curriculum outcomes, best practices research, teacher professional development, curriculum revision, and implementation. Grade-level teams across buildings, along with District facilitators and outside consultants, help guide actual classroom implementation. A complete review cycle rotates every six years; however, curriculum improvement is ongoing. Click here to view the Winnetka Curriculum Review Cycle (PDF).

The math curriculum review will begin this year. Click here to view the Winnetka Math Curriculum Review Timeline. One important focus of the work is to align with the new Common Core State Standards – Mathematics. These new standards will replace the current Illinois Learning Standards.

The District is continuing to implement the recently revised Language Arts Curriculum during this school year. A district-wide writing assessment for grades 3-8 will be utilized for the first time, and an Essential Literacy Agreements document has been created to outline the instructional approaches that are used across the District K-8. In addition, the Language Arts curriculum was built upon the premise of reading and writing continuums based on the work of internationally known educational consultant Bonnie Campbell Hill. The continuums measure both progress and growth. The continuums are included in the grade level curriculum summaries.

The District is in year two of the Fine Arts (dance/drama, art, music) and World Language curriculum reviews. A parent/community survey was conducted in May 2011 to gather input about the World Language program.
Click here for more information about the program.

The Winnetka Public Schools is partnering with the Columbia University Teachers College Reading & Writing Project to improve writing instruction in the District.
Click here for more information about the program.

School Board Presentation of the Language Arts Curriculum review
Watch the Presentation
Part 1: