Academic Programs
The Academics department encompasses curriculum, instruction, assessment, technology integration, social emotional learning, mental and behavioral health services, language development, special education, public pre-kindergarten, outdoor learning, ESEA grants and programming, summer school, and professional development for educators.
The current priorities across the departments are in alignment with our Portland Promise goals. They are to strengthen core instruction (achievement & equity), ensure safe and equitable schools (whole student & equity), and to promote a strong professional learning culture (people & equity).
Each of the strategies we implement are based on our district learning beliefs.
Our Learning Beliefs
- All learners can rise to high expectations.
- Learners have different strengths, needs and starting points, based on who they are and what they’ve experienced. They learn in different ways and timeframes.
- Belonging, engagement, and joy helps a learner achieve.
- Academics, work habits, and social-emotional skills are equally important in school and in life.
- Practicing and learning from mistakes are natural and necessary parts of the learning process.
- Students learn better when they are empowered and feel capable.
- Learning in diverse groups prepares students to thrive in an increasingly diverse, complex and connected world.