Instruction and Learning Experiences
High-Quality Instruction and Learning Experiences
We educate the whole child through high-quality instruction and learning experiences that accelerate growth for Students of Color who are furthest from educational justice—with an intentional focus on African American boys and teens.
Whole Child educationWhole child education goes beyond a focus on academic achievement. When we More extends beyond traditional academic instruction and assessment to include recognizing and serving the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral strengths and needs of students. When we focus on educating the whole child, students are healthy—and feel safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.
In addressing the needs of the whole child, a child then has the greatest opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve.
Focus Goals
Seattle Public Schools is currently focusing on two goals under the High-Quality Instruction and Learning Experiences priority.
These two goals are critical in our work to ensure every student has the academic, emotional, social, and behavioral supports needed to be successful in school and in life. Although our 2019-20 school year saw a shift from classroom learning because of COVID-19, our focus on this work has continued. It is now more important than ever to make sure our students are able to access high-quality instruction, wherever our students are learning.
Welcoming and Safe Schools
Students thrive in a school culture built on trusting relationships that provide healthy, safe, engaging, supported, and challenging environments in which they can learn to their full potential. Instruction must be high-quality, culturally responsive, focused, and aligned to standards for students to develop as independent learners. Students of Color who are furthest from educational justice will feel welcome and safe in every Seattle Public School. Read more about welcoming schools
Reading at Grade Level by the end of Third Grade
We want all students reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade. Through initiatives like Seattle Super Readers, engaging families and community, access to high-quality preschool, and supporting educators with data and professional development, we will accelerate growth for Students of Color who are furthest from educational justice. Read more about third grade reading
Continuing Areas of Focus for the High-Quality Instruction and Learning Experiences Priority
While our current focus has been on these two key goals, that does not mean we are not working on our other goals. Under this priority, Students of Color who are furthest from educational justice will:
- Feel welcome and safe in school (focus goal)
- Read at grade level by the end of third grade (focus goal)
- Be proficient in mathematics in fifth grade and seventh grade
- Finish ninth grade on track for on-time graduation
- Graduate ready for college and a career
Focus Goals Infographics
We created these infographics to further illustrate and communicate our intention, tactics and progress for each focus goal. Feel free to download, share and print.
