Human Resources - Curriculum

How do we develop our curriculum?

Since 1996, Federal Way Public Schools has worked hard to prepare for the implementation of the state’s new graduation requirements that will take effect with the class of 2008. Those graduation requirements are based on the state educational standards, also known as the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs).

Federal Way is committed to a standards-based approach to instruction that uses the EALRs as a curriculum framework. We’ve developed well-defined elementary grade level expectations and secondary course expectations that form the foundation for all curriculum and instruction.  Students are expected to develop portfolios based on state standards, which are central to student-led conferences with parents and are intended to eventually supplement college and job applications.

Research-based instructional materials are used to teach reading. Early literacy materials incorporate instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics. Reading instruction in upper grades focuses on students developing comprehension strategies through a balanced approach.

The elementary math program uses the Scott Foresman/Addison Wesley Mathematics which is aligned with the state’s standards.

Investigations in Number, Data and Space is used as a supplementary program.

Aligning the district’s curriculum to the State’s EALRs - and providing our staff with training in standards-based instruction - has been an important strategy for Federal Way schools

In the fall of 2003, Federal Way made a transition from junior highs to middle schools and four-year high schools. This configuration will help students achieve district and state standards at higher levels. The transition was also based on a community and staff study of researched best practices, including the benefits of creating smaller learning communities in our schools.

What kind of results are we getting?

From 2000 to 2003, the district made literacy the overriding priority. Our students’ 2006 Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) test scores revealed the outcome of this sustained effort.

District averages were above the state average at every grade level on every section of the test.

Our students’ reading achievements are especially noteworthy.    

• In 1997, 53% of 4th graders passed the reading portion of the test. In 2007, 80% passed. 
• In 1998, 37% of 7th graders passed the reading portion, up to 72% in 2007 passed.
• And, in 1999, 47% of 10th graders passed the test, while, last year, 87% passed.

The district is currently focused on achieving similar results in mathematics.

What kind of training does the staff receive in this curriculum?

Implementing curriculum effectively requires high quality professional development.  Staff training is tailored to be relevant to current issues and trends; programs are created with staff input, and are directly related to state, district and building goals.

Since 2003, the district’s professional development focus is on improving mathematics achievement. The goal, again, is to improve student achievement, especially in the areas of reading, mathematics, and science, and to support the middle and high school transition plans and the district’s Equity and Achievement plan.

All certificated staff are paid their per diem rate for participating in six days of professional development.

A Teacher Development Center facility was created in 2003 to make staff training and professional growth more easily accessible. A long-term goal is to make the facility a place for teacher collaboration and instructional improvement. 

Other ways in which Federal Way Schools supports its teachers:

• Teachers are encouraged to participate in Critical Friends Groups, where they can share ideas about student work and instruction strategies.
• The district provides training and mentoring support for all new-to-the district teachers.  The training is designed to provide staff with the skills necessary to implement the critical teaching and support service expectations of all staff.
• The Federal Way School District offers support to teachers who are pursuing National Board Certification by providing scholarships to 5 candidates each year.  The scholarships provide 5 days of paid release time, $500 for program tuition and $500 for university-sponsored facilitation.  The district also partners with University of Washington to make an in-district cohort available to teachers attempting certification.  Since 2002 the district has provided financial support and/or facilitation to foster the successful completion of the process for 18 National Board Certified Teachers.

We also support a cadre of teachers working toward their Washington state professional certification