Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

  • The Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative School District, SAU #63, is committed to a process of curriculum development that fosters continuous improvement of student learning. The WLCSD K-12 curriculum is dynamic, changing based upon state requirements and research-based standards.  The curriculum is designed to provide our students with critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as well as the learning practices and essential knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing global society.

    Curriculum Articulation 

    K-12 teachers engage in te ongoing process of documenting, reviewing, and revising the district curriculum.  Curriculum documents are being revised to include competencies and related performance indicators; subject/course scope and sequence of content; and detailed units of study.  If interested, please ask your student's teacher(s) for the current curriculum documens for their grade/course.

    Competency-Based Education

    NH state law requires that school districts identify "graduation competencies" that are common across the district and define learning expectations for each student for high school graduation.  "Competencies' are student learning targets that represent key content-specific concepts, knowledge, and skills.  Performance indicators for each grade level or coures create a progression of learning from kindergartento grade 12 and result in a continuum of learning expections leading to graduation.

    The WLC High School has employed a compeency-based  system of assessment, grading, and credit for several years.  Each course has a few identified competencies that each student must meet in order to earn credit for the course.  Mechanisms for recovering credit for competencies not previuosly attained are described in the school's handbook.

    The WLC Middle School plans to employ competency-based assessment and grading during the nex school year.

    Lyndeborough Central School & Florence Rideout Elementary School employ a competency-based system that features student-friendly “I can” statements.  Assessment is ongoing in classrooms and reported through student Learning Profiles provided to families.

    Technology Integration 

    Thanks to community support for the budget, each student in grades 3-12 has their own laptop computer and students in grades K-2 have several more tablets and computers to share.  Our increased availability of technology supports students in becoming more self-directed learners through more personalized pathways, including remediation and enrichment.

    District teachers continue to blend the use of technology tools into teaching and student learning.  The use of internet resources and online tools allow students to expand their learning by keeping up with current events and changes in information.  Students are able to research, solve problems, and develop creativity in various learning environments.

    Senior Project 

    Seniors at WLC High School complete self-directed learning projects in which they demonstrate the research, problem-solving and communication skills developed over the years in the WLC School District. Successful completion of the Senior Project is a graduation requirement.  Additional details can be found in the WLC handbook.

    Standardized Testing

    A list of the standardized testing programs and links to their websites can be found on the district or school websites within the Curriculum menu.  The NH State Assessments primarily gives us information on how a grade level and school are performing and making progress.  The SAT serves as the state test for grade 11.  The NAEP is only given if a school and grade level is selected by NAEP administrators.  At the local level, STAR 360 and the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment are used to monitor student progress, guide instruction, and facilitate learning.

    STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics) 

    Problem solving skills and creativity are integrated into the STEAM areas at the middle and high school levels.  Work is continuing to enhance inquiry and also to integrate design and modeling where appropriate.  At the elementary level, there are ongoing efforts to integrate the STEAM areas, including the fifth grade science inquiry and fair, as well as many other classroom learning activities.