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Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Overview
Learning Philosophy
At Southview Elementary, curriculum is a roadmap that lets every child put down deep roots and branch out toward new discoveries. All core and encore subjects are built on the Missouri Learning Standards, the statewide expectations that describe what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Teachers backwards-design units from those standards, then layer in research-based instructional frameworks, hands-on investigations, and purposeful technology so learning feels both rigorous and relevant.
Core Instructional Program
| Area | Curriculum & Key Resources | Instructional Approach | Assessment & Supports |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts | HMH Into Reading (K-5); Fundations (phonics K-2); Heggerty (phonemic awareness); Lucy Calkins Units of Study (writing) | Reading & Writing Workshop, guided reading, literature circles, research-driven PBL units | MAP Growth, STAR Early Literacy, F&P benchmarks, common formatives, LLI/Title I push-in |
| Mathematics | Illustrative Mathematics; Number Talks; DreamBox | Problem-based lesson routine, daily math discourse, manipulatives, real-world PBL tasks | MAP Growth, unit pre/post checks, reteach in WIN (What I Need) blocks |
| Science & STEM | Mystery Science; PLTW Launch (2-5); Outdoor Classroom | 5E inquiry cycles, engineering design challenges, field investigations | Performance tasks, claim-evidence-reasoning (CER) rubrics, public showcases |
| Social Studies | Missouri Learning Standards; Studies Weekly; DBQ Project | Primary-source analysis, civics simulations, community-based PBL | DBQ rubrics, project reflections, student-led exhibitions |
| Social-Emotional Learning | Second Step; Leader in Me house system | Daily class meetings, goal-setting journals, restorative conversations | Panorama surveys, behavior data reviews, SEL progress monitoring |
| Specials & Enrichments | Art, Music, PE, Library Media, STEM Lab | Specialists embed core standards & design PBL showcases | Standards-based rubrics, performances, gallery walks |
Standards-Referenced Grading & Feedback
Kearney School District uses standards-referenced report cards in K-5. Rather than averaging points, students receive proficiency marks tied to specific learning targets so families know exactly where their child is excelling and where support is needed. Progress reports go home each quarter and PowerSchool gives families real-time access.
Continuous Improvement Culture
Southview Elementary’s drive for excellence is visible in its data story: the school leapt from 86.3% of APR points in 2023 to 96.5% in 2024, while maintaining a perfect 100% score on the state’s continuous-improvement standard three years running
Data-driven PLC cycles. Grade-level teams meet weekly to study MAP Growth and common formative assessments, adjust instruction, and plan interventions. This tight feedback loop helped students earn 100% of possible points in both ELA and math growth and achievement in 2024
Reflective PBL practice. After each project exhibition, teachers and students hold structured retrospectives—What went well? Where did we stretch?—then update rubrics and driving questions for the next cohort. Dr. Rebecca Parks models this habit by leading quarterly “learning walks” with staff from other campuses to gather fresh feedback.
Student ownership of progress. Learners keep data binders and set SMART goals, celebrating milestones such as the school’s perfect 100% KEA readiness for incoming kindergartners and 100% attendance points (students attending at least 90% of enrolled days). Goal-setting conferences each semester bring families into the loop.
Embedded professional growth. Teachers pursue micro-credential pathways in Project-Based Learning, LETRS literacy, and Cognitively Guided Instruction for math. Instructional coaches facilitate lesson studies, and staff share successes on a district PBL blog.
Community partnership mindset. Feedback from PTO, local businesses, and civic groups informs yearly School Improvement Plan targets, ensuring data mirrors community priorities.
The result is a culture where every stakeholder knows the numbers, owns the goals and celebrates the wins on the journey from curiosity to mastery.
Bottom line: Southview Elementary’s curriculum balances the what (state standards) with the how (engaging, evidence-based teaching), producing steady gains and joyful learning environments where Bulldogs thrive.