During a recent government meeting, district officials outlined significant developments in the curriculum review process, emphasizing a structured six-year cycle aimed at enhancing educational standards and alignment with Missouri learning benchmarks.

The meeting highlighted that the first two years of the cycle involve a self-study by various content areas, which allows educators to set long-range goals and gather feedback from the Teaching and Learning Advisory Council. This year, the humanities groups and the gifted program will undergo this self-study, with presentations scheduled for the council and the board in the spring of 2026.

Key policy discussions centered around Policy IF, which mandates that the district's curriculum aligns with state standards and supports student success. The officials reported on the approval process for new and revised curricula, noting that last year saw a comprehensive overhaul of the district's curriculum website, enhancing public access to educational resources.

Significant updates were shared regarding elementary literacy assessments. The district transitioned from the NWEA assessment to the STAR assessment, which aligns more closely with Missouri standards and provides deeper insights into student performance. This change was made after dissatisfaction with previous assessments, and officials expressed optimism about the new direction.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the district's involvement in the Success Ready Student Network, a collaborative initiative focused on competency-based education. The district has recently been accepted into the network's system design zone, which will facilitate ongoing professional learning and research into interim assessments. This participation may also open avenues for alternative accreditation processes, although further discussions are needed to explore this option.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to continuous improvement in educational practices, aligning curricula with state standards, and enhancing student learning experiences through collaborative efforts and innovative assessment strategies.