Understanding Our Curriculum

This section explores the educational programs offered by our district. You might come across the terms "standards" and "curriculum" used interchangeably, but they play distinct roles.

Standards establish the learning goals for students. They outline the specific knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire by the end of each grade level. These goals act as benchmarks for student achievement.

The curriculum serves as the roadmap for achieving these standards. It details what students need to learn and the activities they'll engage in to reach those goals.

Resources equip educators to deliver the curriculum effectively. These include textbooks, digital content, and other materials that bring the curriculum to life in the classroom.

Learning

Explore Our Curriculum

ELA

Math

Math Curriculum

Philosophy

Community Consolidated School District 181 believes a high-quality mathematics curriculum engages students in a balanced approach to developing conceptual understandings, procedural knowledge, building fluency, and applying knowledge to real-world problems. Therefore, we believe:

Number sense is the foundation for mathematical proficiency. Students must develop a strong understanding of how numbers are formed and related.
Learners build new knowledge by making connections to their previous experiences.
Learning occurs when students explore ideas, discover patterns, and find logical order using a variety of tools.
A community of learners must discuss, explain, and justify solutions to develop conceptual understandings.
All learners must engage in meaningful tasks and persevere in finding solutions.
All students can learn mathematics when engaged in a responsive, supported curriculum.

Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Levels

The mathematics series for students in kindergarten through fifth grade levels is i-Ready Classroom Mathematics (published by Curriculum Associates, ©2023). Within this series, students will experience rigorous, quality content within collaborative, student-centered methods. This resource provides skills and activities to ensure students develop the problem-solving skills needed to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts, which are aligned to the New Common Core Standards. i-Ready Classroom Mathematics focuses on learning through problem-solving and peer conversations about mathematical thinking. The Board of Education has approvedplacement criteria for advanced and accelerated math courses for students in third through fifth grade levels to provide greater opportunities for targeted instruction with use of differentiation. During Curriculum Night presentations, additional information is provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the educational philosophy of the District regarding mathematics instruction?
In District 181, we believe a high-quality mathematics curriculum engages students with a balanced approach to developing conceptual understandings, procedural knowledge, building fluency, and applying knowledge to real-world problems.

We believe:

Number sense is the foundation for mathematical proficiency. Students must develop a strong understanding of how numbers are formed and related.
Learners build new knowledge by making connections to their previous experiences.
Learning occurs when students explore ideas, discover patterns, and find logical order using a variety of tools.
A community of learners must discuss, explain, and justify solutions to develop conceptual understandings.
All learners must engage in meaningful tasks and persevere in finding solutions.
All students can learn mathematics when engaged in a responsive, supported curriculum.

What are the Eight Mathematical Practices?
The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe varieties of expertise that mathematics educators at all levels should seek to develop in their students. These practices rest on important ‘processes and proficiencies’ with longstanding importance in mathematics education.” - http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice/

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
Reason abstractly and quantitatively
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
Model with mathematics
Use appropriate tools strategically
Attend to precision
Look for and make use of structure
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

How can parents encourage the mathematical practice of “perseverance” in their children?
Learning occurs through the process of solving a problem and trying multiple approaches to solve it. With that understanding, parents can support the development of perseverance by praising the child’s effort, not only praising the child for arriving at the correct answer. For example, instead of telling a child, “You must be really smart because you got the right answer,” the parent can say, “I can tell you worked hard on that problem. Tell me your thinking. How did you arrive at that answer?” Parents are also encouraged to consider providing less direct assistance, letting the child work through his/her challenges, perhaps encouraging him/her to try a different approach, or take a break and come back to the problem. If the student is struggling with math homework, it is okay if the student does not necessarily get the right answer. The purpose of homework is to allow students to independently apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to write a note to the teacher sharing that the student worked hard but found difficulty with aspects of the assignment to help facilitate a positive home-school relationship.

How are 5th graders being prepared for the transition to middle school math?
Mathematics instruction prepares elementary and middle school students to master the applicable Common Core State Standards, regardless of grade level or resources used. Mastery of content in the standards helps to ensure a successful transition from fifth grade to sixth grade. Further, multiple data points are used to determine a student’s placement in an appropriate middle school math course. District 181 staff work collaboratively to continually review student data to ensure that instruction is meeting student needs.

Math Curriculum K-8

Grade KG

Grade K Overview

Counting and Cardinality

Know number names and the count sequence.
Count to tell the number of objects.
Compare numbers.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Understand addition as putting together and adding to, and understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from.

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Work with numbers 11-19 to gain foundations for place value.

Measurement and Data

Describe and compare measurable attributes.
Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category

Geometry

Identify and describe shapes.
Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

1CC

Grade 1 Overview

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.
Understand and apply properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
Add and subtract within 20.
Work with addition and subtraction equations.

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Extend the counting sequence.
Understand place value.
Use place value understanding and properties of operations to add and subtract.

Measurement and Data

Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.
Tell and write time.
Represent and interpret data.

Geometry

Reason with shapes and their attributes.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

2CC

Grade 2 Overview

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.
Add and subtract within 20.
Work with equal groups of objects to gain foundations for multiplication.

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Understand place value.
Use place value understanding and properties of operations to add and subtract.

Measurement and Data

Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.
Relate addition and subtraction to length.
Work with time and money.
Represent and interpret data.

Geometry

Reason with shapes and their attributes.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

3CC

Grade 3 Overview

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division.
Understand properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division.
Multiply and divide within 100.
Solve problems involving the four operations, and identify and explain patterns in arithmetic.

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic.

Number and Operations—Fractions

Develop understanding of fractions as numbers.

Measurement and Data

Solve problems involving measurement and estimation of intervals of time, liquid volumes, and masses of objects.
Represent and interpret data.
Geometric measurement: understand concepts of area and relate area to multiplication and to addition.
Geometric measurement: recognize perimeter as an attribute of plane figures and distinguish between linear and area measures.

Geometry

Reason with shapes and their attributes.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

4CC

Grade 4 Overview

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems.
Gain familiarity with factors and multiples.
Generate and analyze patterns.

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Generalize place value understanding for multi-digit whole numbers.
Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic.

Number and Operations—Fractions

Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering.
Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous understandings of operations on whole numbers.
Understand decimal notation for fractions, and compare decimal fractions.

Measurement and Data

Solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurements from a larger unit to a smaller unit.
Represent and interpret data.
Geometric measurement: understand concepts of angle and measure angles.

Geometry

Draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes by properties of their lines and angles.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

5CC

Grade 5 Overview

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Write and interpret numerical expressions.
Analyze patterns and relationships.

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Understand the place value system.
Perform operations with multi-digit whole numbers and with decimals to hundredths.

Number and Operations—Fractions

Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions.

Measurement and Data

Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system.
Represent and interpret data.
Geometric measurement: understand concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and to addition.

Geometry

Graph points on the coordinate plane to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
Classify two-dimensional figures into categories based on their properties.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

6CC

Grade 6 Overview

Ratios and Proportional Relationships

Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems.

The Number System

Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions.
Multiply and divide multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples.
Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers.

Expressions and Equations

Apply and extend previous understandings of arithmetic to algebraic expressions.
Reason about and solve one-variable equations and inequalities.
Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.

Geometry

Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
Statistics and Probability
Develop understanding of statistical variability.
Summarize and describe distributions.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

7CC

Grade 7 Overview

Ratios and Proportional Relationships

Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

The Number System

Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers.

Expressions and Equations

Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.

Geometry

Draw, construct and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationships between them.
Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure, area, surface area, and volume.

Statistics and Probability

Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population.
Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations.
Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

8CC

Grade 8 Overview

The Number System

Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers.

Expressions and Equations

Work with radicals and integer exponents.
Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations.
Analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations.

Functions

Define, evaluate, and compare functions.
Use functions to model relationships between quantities.

Geometry

Understand congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies, or geometry software.
Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones and spheres.

Statistics and Probability

Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data.

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Algebra I

Algebra Overview

Seeing Structure in Expressions

Interpret the structure of expressions
Write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems

Arithmetic with Polynomials and Rational Functions

Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials
Understand the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials
Use polynomial identities to solve problems
Rewrite rational functions

Creating Equations

Create equations that describe numbers or relationships

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning
Solve equations and inequalities in one variable
Solve systems of equations
Represent and solve equations and inequalities graphically

Mathematical Practices

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Geometry H

Geometry Honors Overview

Foundations of Geometric Reasoning and Proof

Measurement of Segments and Angles: Precision and its role in geometric relationships.
Collinearity, Betweenness, and Assumptions: Fundamental concepts of points, order, and the basis of proofs.
Deductive Structure: Axiomatic systems, postulates, theorems, and the nature of proof.
Statements of Logic: Logical connectives, conditional statements, converses, inverses, and contrapositives.
Beginning Proofs (Two-Column and Paragraph): Introduction to formal proof techniques.
Paragraph Proofs and Indirect Proof: Mastering different proof styles, including proof by contradiction.
Division of Segments and Angles: Bisectors, trisectors, and their applications.

Lines, Angles, and Polygons

Perpendicularity: Properties and applications of perpendicular lines.
Complementary and Supplementary Angles: Angle relationships and theorems.
Congruent Supplements and Complements: Proving and applying related theorems.
Vertical Angles: The vertical angles theorem and its applications.
Introduction to Parallel Lines: Definitions and basic properties.
Proving Lines are Parallel: Theorems and methods for proving parallelism.
Congruent Angles Associated with Parallel Lines: Angle relationships formed by transversals.
Parallelogram Properties, Rectangle Properties, Rhombus Properties, Square Properties, Kite Properties, Trapezoid Properties: In-depth exploration of quadrilateral properties.
Formulas Involving Polygons, Regular Polygons: General polygon properties and special cases.

Congruence, Similarity, and Proportions

What are Congruent Figures? Defining and understanding congruence.
Three Ways to Prove Triangles Congruent (SSS, SAS, ASA): Mastering congruence postulates.
CPCTC and Beyond CPCTC: Applications of CPCTC in complex proofs.
Overlapping Triangles: Strategies for proving congruence in complex diagrams.
Types of Triangles: Classification and properties of triangles.
Angle-Side Theorems (Isosceles Triangle Theorem, etc.): Relationships between angles and sides.
The HL Postulate: Hypotenuse-Leg theorem for right triangles.
Detours and Midpoints: Using auxiliary lines and midpoints in proofs.
The Case of the Missing Diagram: Developing visualization skills.
Triangle Application Theorems, Two Proof Oriented Triangle Theorems: application of many triangle theorems.
Ratio and Proportion, Similarity: Exploring proportional relationships and similarity.
Methods of Proving Triangles Similar (AA, SSS, SAS): Mastering similarity theorems.
Congruence and Proportions in Similar Triangles, Three Theorems Involving Proportions: Further applications of similarity.

Right Triangles and Trigonometry

Review of Radical and Quadratic Equations: Necessary algebraic skills for geometric applications.
Altitude-on-Hypotenuse Theorem: Geometric mean theorem.
Pythagorean Theorem: Proofs and applications.
Distance Formula: Connecting coordinate geometry and the Pythagorean theorem.
Families of Right Triangles, Special Right Triangles (30-60-90, 45-45-90): Special cases and their properties.
The Pythagorean Theorem and Space Figures: Extending the theorem to three dimensions.
Trig Ratios (Sin, Cos, Tan), Inverse Trig Ratios, Angles of Elevation and Depression: Introduction to trigonometry and its applications.

Circles and Geometric Measurement

The Circle, Congruent Chords, Arc of a Circle, Secants and Tangents: Basic circle properties.
Circumference and Arc Length, Angles Related to a Circle, More Angle-Arc Theorems: Measuring and relating angles and arcs.
Inscribed and Circumscribed Polygons, Power Theorems: Advanced circle theorems.
Equation of a circle: Connection between algebra and geometry.
Understanding Area, Areas of: Parallelograms and Triangles, Trapezoids, Kites, Regular Polygons, Circles, Sectors and Segments,
Ratios of Area Hero's and Brahmagupta's Formula: In-depth exploration of area calculations.

Solid Geometry

Surface Areas of Prisms, Surface Areas of Pyramids, Surface Area of Circular Solids: Calculating surface areas of three-dimensional figures.
Volume of Prisms and Cylinders, Volumes of Pyramids and Cones, Volumes of Spheres: Calculating volumes of three-dimensional figures.

Probability

Introduction to geometric probability.

PE

Science

Science Curriculum (BOE Approve)

Kindergarten:

Focus: Students will investigate how the five senses provide information. Students will recognize patterns and effects of weather. Students will describe relationships between plants and animals and their environments. Students will analyze the effects of different forces on an object. With support, students will engineer solutions to problems and construct arguments based on information learned through investigation.

Students will relate the five senses to their function.
Students will analyze how forces affect an object to determine why an object moves.
Students will recognize patterns and variations in local weather and the purpose of weather forecasting.
Students will analyze the relationships between plants, animals (including humans) and the environment. Students will explore solutions to reduce human impact on the environment.
With support, students will use engineering design to solve problems.

1st Grade:

Focus: Students will analyze the relationships between topics including light and sound, parents and offspring, and objects in space. With support, students will engineer solutions to problems and construct arguments based on information learned through investigation.

Students will investigate light and the relationship between sound and vibrating materials to explain how they enable communication.
Students will use specific examples to demonstrate how plant and animal characteristics are inherited from parents to help them survive.
Students will explain patterns of object movement in the sky throughout the year.
With support, students will use engineering design to solve problems.

2nd Grade:

Focus: Students will investigate the properties of matter and relationships between plants and animals. Students will analyze how erosion changes the land. Students will ask questions, make observations and gather data to define and solve a problem. Students will engineer solutions to problems and construct arguments based on information learned through investigation.

Students will apply their understanding of properties of matter to evaluate a problem involving changes in materials.
Students will apply their knowledge of weathering and erosion to develop a plan that minimizes their effects on Earth's surface.
Students will gather and analyze information about plants and animals to explain how they are interdependent on one another for survival.
Students will use engineering design to solve problems.

3rd Grade:

Focus: Students will explore the relationships between forces and motion. Students will use data to analyze weather patterns around the world. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of organisms’ adaptations for survival in their environments. Students will utilize engineering design standards as methods of inquiry.

Students will investigate the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object, and apply scientific ideas of electric and magnetic interactions between two objects.
Students will gather information about organisms past and present to analyze factors contributing to a species' survival.
Students will describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles which follow the same pattern. Students will analyze and draw conclusions about how the environment and inherited traits influence organisms.
Students will collect, organize and interpret data to examine seasonal weather patterns and climates, predict typical weather conditions, and evaluate a design solution for a specified weather-related hazard.
Students will use engineering design, including identifying criteria and constraints, to solve problems and evaluate the effectiveness of their solution.

4th Grade:

Focus: Students will explore the relationships between energy and motion. Students will describe wave patterns and compare them to other patterns that transfer information. Students will examine structures of plants and animals that support life and receive information. Students will examine processes that shape the Earth. Students will utilize engineering design standards as methods of inquiry.

Students will investigate the relationship between energy and motion, demonstrate that energy can be transferred, and describe that the use of energy affects the environment.
Students will describe properties of waves, discover that waves can cause objects to move and demonstrate that patterns are used to transfer information.
Students will analyze the internal and external structures of plants and animals which function to support life.
Students will explain how Earth changes over time and generate ideas about how to lessen the impact of weathering and erosion on humans. Students will use engineering design, including identifying criteria and constraints, to solve problems and evaluate the effectiveness of their solutions.

5th Grade:

Students will investigate properties, and structures of matter. Students will compare and contrast Earth’s ecosystems. Students will examine the relationships among the Earth and space systems. Students will utilize engineering design standards as methods of inquiry.

Students will model the particles within different states of matter and compare and contrast the properties of matter.
Students will use evidence to determine whether a chemical or physical change has occurred.
Students will analyze the relationships between matter and energy within an ecosystem.
Students will explain the interactions among Earth's systems.
Students will analyze the position and movement of Earth in space.
Students will describe how objects on Earth are affected by its gravity.
Students will use engineering design, including identifying criteria and constraints, to solve problems and evaluate the effectiveness of their solutions.

6th Grade:

Students will explain how organisms survive by identifying patterns and making connections between adaptations passed on through generations and the influence of the environment on organisms. Students will use engineering design principles in order to solve problems.

Students will demonstrate how form and function relate in cells. Students will explain how cellular functions play a direct role in the way larger organisms function.
Students will identify patterns, determine probabilities and analyze the effects of traits that offspring inherit from their parents. Students will examine the influence of humans and technology on artificially selected organisms.
Students will apply the fundamentals of natural selection to demonstrate that life on Earth has evolved and continues to evolve.
Students will examine the cycling of matter and flow of energy through ecosystems, apply laws of natural selection, and make observations and apply their knowledge of the interactions between living and nonliving parts of the local ecosystem to draw conclusions about the interconnectedness of life.
Students will use engineering design to solve problems and precisely identify criteria and constraints to evaluate the effectiveness of their solutions, taking into consideration the context of the given problem. Students will compare and revise solutions to arrive at an optimal design.

7th Grade:

Focus: Students will use observations and make inferences to construct an understanding of the universe, and will analyze the role of forces and energy throughout the universe. Students will evaluate how processes on and within Earth impact humans. Students will use engineering design principles in order to solve problems.

Students will explain the relationship between Earth and objects in space, their interactions and the forces involved.
Students will analyze the processes, the energy flow and forces on Earth's surface and in Earth's interior to explain how natural resources are distributed.
Students will analyze how evidence from fossils and rocks provide clues about Earth's history and the processes that have changed the surface. Students will evaluate ideas about how to lessen the impact of natural hazards.
Students will investigate potential and kinetic energy and the relationship between them.
Students will investigate motion and forces and provide evidence explaining how they interact.
Students will investigate waves and how they interact with different materials. Students will construct an argument that digital signals are more reliable than analog signals.
Students will use engineering design to solve problems and precisely identify criteria and constraints to evaluate the effectiveness of their solutions, taking into consideration the context of the given problem. Students will compare and revise solutions to arrive at an optimal design.

8th Grade:

Students will explore atomic structure, thermal energy and chemical reactions in order to develop a deeper understanding of matter, its properties and how it combines to form new substances. Students will examine human impacts on the environment, weather and climate as well as implications for future populations and communities. Students will use engineering design principles in order to solve problems.

Students will model atomic and molecular structures, use the periodic table to determine properties of elements, balance and classify chemical equations to demonstrate conservation of matter, describe factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions and explain the role of energy in chemical reactions.
Students will synthesize the effects of thermal energy on matter and model the effects of temperature on the kinetic energy of particles.
Students will analyze environmental factors and their impact on the Earth (resource use, human population, ecosystems, biodiversity, and populations of organisms). Students will develop solutions to minimize human impacts on the environment.
Students will analyze the effects of temperature on air masses, weather and climate. Students will examine evidence related to climate change.
Students will analyze the strength of electric and magnetic forces.
Students will use engineering design to solve problems and precisely identify criteria and constraints to evaluate the effectiveness of their solutions, taking into consideration the context of the given problem. Students will compare and revise solutions to arrive at an optimal design.

Social Studies

Social Studies Curriculum (BOE Approved)

PaCE Framework

In social studies classes in District 181, students become accountable citizens, understand physical environments and global connections, and develop a sense of financial literacy while exploring a wide range of historical people, events and eras. Students develop the ability to analyze evidence and create well-reasoned positions about democratic, social, cultural and political values. Inquiry and realistic experiences allow students to learn authentically and explore historical and contemporary world problems. Students are encouraged to think creatively and critically while becoming world changers.

Inquiry Skills:

Construct essential questions
Determine helpful sources
Gather and evaluate sources
Develop claims using evidence
Communicate conclusions
Take informed action

Kindergarten:

Students will learn that we belong to different groups and have various roles inside and outside of school. As citizens, we all have responsibilities to ourselves and to each other, our roles and relationships impact others around us, and our lives are influenced by the time and place in which we live.

Students will explain the roles and rules within the family, school, and community.
Students will know that people have economic needs and wants, and explain how needs and wants determine how people spend money and make financial decisions.
Students will understand how people change over time and explain how people have influenced how we celebrate holidays.

1st Grade:

Students will be able to explain the roles and responsibilities we have as citizens. Everyone can make a difference in the world. People have shaped history through their actions.

Students will be able to explain how people and rules are important within a community.
Students will be able to create and use maps.
Students will be able to describe the economic choices people make to meet their economic needs. Students will be able to describe how events and people have influenced history.

2nd Grade:

Students will understand their roles and the roles of others within their community as to how it relates to the financial and personal decisions they make, as they broaden their perspective of their community and to other surrounding communities.

Students will understand the roles of others within their community and explain how governments function.
Students will construct and interpret maps, compare environmental and cultural characteristics of familiar and unfamiliar places, and explain how these places meet their daily needs.
Students will understand the economic impact of financial decisions on goods and services at the community and personal level, knowing that all choices can affect themselves and others.
Students will think critically about how important people and events shaped their community and explain how historical sources can be links to the past.

3rd Grade:

Students will understand how geography and the roles of citizens affect the growth of communities and cultures around the world.

Students will understand the rights and responsibilities of citizens in various types of communities.
Students will identify landforms and understand how people around the world are impacted by their environment and products.
Students will understand the economic impact of financial decisions at the governmental and local levels.
Students will analyze how important people and events shaped their community and region.

4th Grade:

Students will understand the roles of citizens and how the government interacts and influences change.
Students will understand how the movement of goods, people, information, and jobs affect change in Illinois.
Students will understand how goods and services are produced using a variety of resources, thus producing income.
Students will understand individual and group perspectives using primary and secondary sources and how they have affected events in Illinois.

5th Grade:

Students will understand the responsibilities, structure, and laws of our country's government in comparison with other governments around the world based on the development and effects of cultural and environmental characteristics, technological developments, and catastrophic and environmental events in our nation's history. Students will analyze U.S. economy/trade and its impact on other world regions.

Students will understand how civic and political institutions are developed and implemented as well as how rules and laws are established.
Students will understand how humans and the environment interact with each other in the United States and its global interconnection.
Students will analyze the impact of trade and incentives on national and global economy.
Students will construct timelines, by using historical sources and evidence, to analyze developments that happened concurrently and explain causes/effects of developments in U.S. history.

6th Grade:

The overall focus of 6th grade Social Studies is Innovation and Advancement.

Geography - Students will know the 5 themes of geography, how geography, climate, and natural resources affect the way people live and work, and how physical geography affect economic and cultural expansion.
Archeology - Students will understand how archaeologists date sources, be able to identify primary and secondary sources, and how various artifacts and sources help us understand a specific time period.
Development of Farming and Cities or Cities and Civilization - Students will understand the economic, political, and social changes from the rise of cities.
Mesopotamia - Student will define a civilization, explain how the first civilizations came to be and how geography allowed that to happen.
Contributions of the East - Students will explain how Chinese innovations affect our lives today, learn the main ideas of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism, and analyze primary and secondary sources to create a written argument.
Greece and Rome - Students will understand the impact the Greeks and Romans have had on our lives today, turning points in history from this time period, and how the geography of these locations affected their civilizations.
Medieval Times - Students will understand the changes faced as Europe moved from the Dark Ages into the Renaissance
Renaissance and Reformation - Explain why the Renaissance is described as the rebirth of cultural and intellectual pursuits and understand the changes to European religion during the Reformation.
Exploration - Students will learn why people explore, look at different countries and people that did explore, and the effects of exploration.

7th Grade:

The overall focus of 7th grade Social Studies is the Foundations of Government.

Foundations of Government - Students will explore the function of a government.
Age of Reason - Students will explore the influential Enlightenment thinkers and the ideas which lead to the founding of the United States.
Revolutions - Students will explore the various forms of revolution and the causes that sparked change.
U.S. Constitution - Students will explore the origins of the Constitution, the role of the 3 branches of government, and its ability to serve as a living document that applies to people of all generations.
Nation Building - Students will explore the difficulties that were faced in the early years of the U.S. and how the rise of political parties would shape the future of U.S.
Civil War - The events that contributed to the origins of the Civil War.
Reconstruction - Students will understand the struggle of rebuilding the nation politically, economically, and socially after the Civil War.

8th Grade:

The overall focus of 8th grade Social Studies is the American Identity.

American Urbanization - Students will understand the political, social, and economic impacts of the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era and explore how this progress challenged ideas about who is American.
The Nation Booms and Busts - Students will understand the domestic and international events that impact the growth of America in the first half of the 20th Century and how these events impact individuals.
Who has America become post World War II - Students will explore how the role of the United States on the world stage has changed and who America has become.

World Language

World Language (BOE Approved)

The study of languages opens new worlds for children. They are not only learning to communicate in another tongue, they are partaking, little by little of another culture. “No nation has a separate future anymore.”(American Education, Vol.14) Students learning languages at a time in their lives when such learning is the most effective are becoming prepared for a life in that future.

Research tells us that children who have studied another language:

Are significantly better at tasks requiring divergent thinking and figural creativity.
Have the ability to excel in the pronunciation of a new language.
Score higher on standardized tests in language arts, reading, science and math than non-second language learners.
Show greater cognitive development in higher order thinking skills.
Have an improved self-concept, sense of achievement and tolerance for other cultures.
Store their second language in the same part of the brain as their first language making it easier to access.

5th Grade:

Focus: To introduce students to the first steps in language acquisition with emphasis on listening and speaking and to introduce different cultures as a step toward living in a global community.

Interpersonal Communication: I can communicate on some very familiar topics using single words and phrases that I have practiced and memorized.
Presentational Speaking: I can present information about myself and some other very familiar topics using single words or memorized phrases.
Presentational Writing: I can copy some familiar words, characters, or phrases.
Interpretive Listening: I can recognize a few memorized words and phrases when I hear them spoken.
Interpretive Reading: I can recognize a few letters or characters. I can identify a few memorized words and phrases when I read.

6th Grade:

Focus: To introduce writing as a tool to improve reading spelling skills, and the understanding of simple grammatical concepts. To increase the student’s ability to comprehend and speak the target language.

Interpersonal Communication: I can communicate on very familiar topics using a variety of words and phrases that I have practiced and memorized.
Presentational Speaking: I can present information about myself and some other very familiar topics using a variety of words, phrases and memorized expressions.
Presentational Writing: I can write lists and memorized phrases on familiar topics.
Interpretive Listening: I can recognize some familiar words and phrases when I hear them spoken.
Interpretive Reading: I can recognize some letters or characters. I can understand some learned or memorized words and phrases when I read.

7th Grade:

Focus: To continue to develop writing as a tool to improve reading, spelling skills, and the understanding of increasingly difficult grammatical concepts. To expand the student’s ability to comprehend and speak the target language and moving toward more unrehearsed conversations

Interpersonal Communication: I can communicate and exchange information about familiar topics using phrases and simple sentences, sometimes supported by memorized language. I can usually handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions.
Presentational Speaking: I can present basic information on familiar topics using language I have practiced using phrases and simple sentences.
Presentational Writing: I can write short messages and notes on familiar topics related to everyday life.
Interpretive Listening: I can often understand words, phrases, and simple sentences related to everyday life. I can recognize pieces of information and sometimes understand the main topic of what is being said.
Interpretive Reading: I can understand familiar words, phrases, and sentences within short and simple texts related to everyday life. I can sometimes understand the main idea of what I have read.

8th Grade:

Focus: To continue to use writing as a tool to improve reading and the understanding of increasingly more difficult grammatical concepts. To enhance the student’s ability to comprehend and speak the target language in unrehearsed conversations.

Interpersonal Communication: I can participate in unrehearsed conversations on a number of familiar topics. I can handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering authentic questions.
Presentational Speaking: I can present information on most familiar topics using a series of sentences.
Presentational Writing: I can write briefly about most familiar topics and present information using a series of sentences.
Interpretive Listening: I can understand the main idea in short authentic messages and presentations on familiar topics. I can understand the main idea of authentic conversations that I overhear.
Interpretive Reading: I can understand the main idea of short and simple texts when the topic is familiar.

Curriculum Objection and Opt-Out

Hinsdale D181 is committed to providing a premier educational experience that teaches students to be critical thinkers and enables them to achieve their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Our curriculum is designed to meet the highest educational standards and to prepare students for a wide range of future opportunities. Each subject plays a crucial role in developing various aspects of a student's intellectual, emotional, and social growth.

In certain areas, Illinois law does allow parents/guardians to opt their student(s) out of curricular lessons on:.

Dissection of Animals, 105 ILCS 112/1 et seq.*
Comprehensive Personal Health and Safety Education and Comprehensive Sexual Health Education, 105 ILCS 5/27-9.1a (d) (D181 did not adopt the Comprehensive Sexual Health Standards)
Recognizing and Avoiding Sexual Abuse, 105 ILCS 5/27-13.2 (K-8 only)
Instruction related to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), 105 ILCS 110/3
Instruction on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), 105 ILCS 110/3
Organ/tissue and blood donation, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.5
Lockdown drills, 105 ILCS 128/20**

In accordance with state law, these are the specific areas families can choose to opt out of on behalf of their student. In addition, if a curricular lesson places a burden on a religious belief, a parent can request to opt out of the lesson.

We understand that different families may have concerns or preferences regarding their student's education. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment, and we are always eager to work collaboratively with parents to address any concerns.

If you would like to opt your student(s) out of one of the above areas, please contact your school's principal or the district office at dol@d181.org (Department of Learning) to request the official Hinsdale D181 Curriculum Opt-Out Form and return it to your student’s school. This form must be submitted each school year, for each student, if you would like the opt-out to remain in place.

Please Note: Hinsdale D181 will only accept the district's official opt-out form. Other opt-out forms found on the internet will not be accepted.