Academics and Curriculum
Students who attend Willmar Public Schools are enrolled in one of three levels of programming:
- Elementary schools, which educate kindergarten through fifth grade students.
- Middle schools, which educate sixth through eighth grade students.
- High schools, which educate ninth through 12th grade students.
In addition, Willmar Public Schools also offer early childhood and preschool programming, before-or after-school care, and alternative options for at-risk students.
Curriculum
The curriculum provides all students with learning experiences that lead to expected knowledge, skills, and career and college and career readiness. It is defined as the guaranteed course of study and learning objectives that integrates standards, instructional strategies, materials, and assessments to ensure that all students are able to achieve standards. (Heflebower, 2007)
Academic Standards
Academic Standards are the statewide expectations for all students learning in public schools. The academic standards are a summary description of student learning in each content area. Willmar Public Schools, like all districts in Minnesota, is required to follow the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards. The purpose of the standards is to ensure that all students have access to high-quality content and instruction.
MDE’s Academic Standards - Main Page
English Language Arts MN Academic Standards
Health Education MN Academic Standards
Mathematics MN Academic Standards
Physical Education MN Academic Standards
Social Studies MN Academic Standards
World Languages Academic Standards
The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs)
Instructional Resources
The materials used for instruction which may include printed or digital textbooks as well as other printed and online resources.
Curriculum Review Process
Curriculum is reviewed according to a seven-year curriculum review cycle.
View the seven-year curriculum review cycle
Classroom teachers serve on subject area committees that review current research and best practices in that field. They then provide leadership for analyzing and prioritizing the academic standards, selecting appropriate materials, initiating staff development, and implementing changes.
Director of Teaching and Learning
Carrie Thomas
thomasc@willmar.k12.mn.us
320-231-8566
Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning
Karen Douglass
douglassk@willmar.k12.mn.us
320-231-8541
Administrative Assistant
Christina Madsen
madsenc@willmar.k12.mn.us
320-231-8567
Curriculum Maps
Our district is committed to providing high-quality, transparent education rooted in the Minnesota Academic Standards. These standards serve as the foundation for what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level and in every content area. We use a standards-based learning approach to ensure that instruction, assessment, and feedback are aligned to these clearly defined learning goals. Guided by Marzano's Focused Teacher Evaluation Model, our instructional practices support all learners in progressing toward mastery. To support this commitment, we are pleased to share curriculum maps for each grade level and course. These maps offer an overview of the learning that takes place throughout the year and help families and the community stay informed and engaged in the educational journey.
Please explore the curriculum maps by level below:
District Advisory Committee
The District Advisory committee which includes school staff, parents, and community members meets regularly to ensure active community participation in each phase of planning and improving instruction and curriculum. The committee provides recommendations to the school board regarding academic standards, student achievement goals, and learning measures.