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Curriculum
Improving instruction is the core work of the City Schools of Decatur. We choose to make strides toward these goals through the following actions:
agreeing on a rigorous curriculum
making changes based on assessments with students, and
crafting engaging work for students to accomplish.
Therefore, our mission:
City Schools of Decatur challenges every student to succeed by providing rigorous, engaging, and authentic learning experiences delivered by highly qualified, caring adults in safe and inviting schools.
Rigorous, Engaging, and Authentic Learning Experiences
K-12 Georgia curriculum has been shifting from the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) to the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) using a calendar outlined by the Georgia Department of Education. City Schools of Decatur follows this timeline and prepares for these changes by providing professional learning for teachers and administrators. The statewide shift from objective and skill-based instruction to performance standards (written and intended for students) aligns beautifully with City Schools of Decatur’s commitment to Working on the Work. This framework is used in each building to focus our efforts on improving the work that students are asked to complete each day.
The College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center serves children from birth – age 4. The 0-3 program is operated through the Decatur-DeKalb YMCA onsite at the College Heights facility. CSD has 9 preKindergarten classrooms: 6 at College Heights, 2 at Decatur High School, and 1 at Oakhurst Elementary. All birth – preKindergarten rooms use the High/Scope curriculum and framework. College Heights is a NAEYC-accredited facility.
Our K3 schools (Clairemont, Oakhurst, and Winnona Park) use Expeditionary Learning Schools as their reform model. This framework positions all members of the school community as learners, intentionally focusing on creating and sustaining community. Students use K-3 curriculum standards to guide their learning experiences and expeditions, crafting meaningful and authentic products. Kindergarten students are assessed using a standards-based report card. See individual school webpages for support materials.
Please view each school’s website for more detailed information on the implementation of each school reform initiative.
Infinite Campus
Infinite Campus is the student information system for Decatur City students. The Campus Parent Portal was activated during the fall semester, after families were informed during their open houses and curriculum nights. In this portal, families~are able to monitor and support the attendance and assignments of their children.
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
CSD uses the MAP assessments as a growth indicator for students in grades 2-8 for reading, language arts, and mathematics. Approximately 350 students rehearsed this assessment during the 2007-8 school year so we could assess feasibility and reliability against other assessments. We are positive about the results. All students in grades K-10 will participate in the MAP assessments for 2009-10.
Students are given MAP tests to determine their instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year. The tests are administered on the computer and allow schools and parents to monitor growth from year to year.
Parent Resources:
Parent Toolkit
MAP norms offer average scores and average growth values for students.
Contact Information
Mailing address:
Instructional Services
758 Scott Boulevard
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Phone:
404-370-4400 ext. 941
Fax:
404-370-3846
Associate Superintendent
Dr. Thomas Van Soelen
extension 916
Coordinator
Joan Fisher
extension 919
Assistant to the Associate Superintendent
Harold E. Rall
extension 941
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