Curriculum & Instruction

Teaching and Learning

In Lake Bluff, we believe a well-rounded, coherent instructional program is the hallmark of our District’s success. After reviewing the relevant learning standards, the District’s instructional program has been developed by our teams of educators and consultants. Our curricula is developed from both the Common Core State Standards and the Illinois Learning Standards.

More specifically, Lake Bluff elementary School district 65 embraces the Common Core State Standards (link opens in a new window) as an opportunity to strengthen our curriculum. These standards “provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them." The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. (www.corestandards.org)

Further, Our Mathematics and English Language Arts programs are aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards aligned to the Common Core State Standards, our Science program incorporates the NextGen Science Standards, our Fine Arts programs incorporate the National Core Arts Standards and our Social Studies programs are aligned to the Illinois Social Science standards which are based on the C3 Framework, our PE and Wellness programs are build around the Illinois and National Shape America Standards.  More specifics on our curricular programs are outlined by grade level and content links to the left.

Student Driven Instruction

We believe in providing all students with an excellent educational program that allows them to grow at their personal best while achieving at higher levels than before.

To achieve these beliefs, students experience learning in a variety of ways and with many opportunities to explore, create and share their knowledge. Our district utilizes data to target instruction for each child and our teachers constantly seek opportunities for providing challenge to support learning and growth.  teachers are charged with the responsibility of designing and adapting their instruction so that each student reaches her or his full potential with the given curriculum. Data also helps us to review and improve our curricula as part of a larger curriculum review process. Our curricula undergoes continuous evaluation and revision, ensuring that it represents the very best practices and thinking in education today. In addition, we collaborate with Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 as well as Lake Forest High School District 115 to promote a coherent progression of content and skills.

Beliefs About Student Learning

Lake Bluff Elementary School District 65 believes in an instructional model where all students are able to access the services, supports, and extensions that they might need in order to have an appropriate and high quality educational experience.  We believe that every child can achieve the vision of District 65: Excellence in Education, Enthusiasm for Life, Every Student, Every Day.  The individual academic and social-emotional needs of students are met through the delivery of a solid core curriculum, early identification, intervention, and enrichment.

Underlying this statement are the following beliefs about student learning:

• Every child can learn.
• Children learn in different ways.
• Some children need more support than others while others require extensions to regular learning.
• The best intervention is a solid core curriculum with support and extension from teachers, administrators, and parents.

Ongoing Staff Training and Professional Learning

Lake Bluff School District 65 staff members participate in ongoing, job-embedded professional development to ensure that they remain current in their knowledge of research-based instructional practices.

Staff are also encouraged to pursue professional development based on their own interests as educators. We believe in fostering life-long learning and see this as an opportunity to model and demonstrate this important quality.