School District 21 prides itself on its Professional Learning Community and its rich tradition of professional collaboration, high levels of professional development, and family-like atmosphere. If you see the opportunity to work with colleagues in making a difference in the lives of students and families in a truly diverse setting, School District 21 seeks your application.
School District 21 has developed a core curriculum based on the Illinois Learning Standards, which are intended to serve as the basis for student learning and assessment in Illinois. The School District 21 curriculum is based on the understanding that, due to the pace of technological change and the development of an interdependent international economy and workforce, we cannot predict the full range of specific knowledge and skills that our students will require for success. At the same time, there are critical basic skills that serve as the foundation for success in reading, writing, and mathematics. By focusing on balanced instruction that includes critical thinking about high-level concepts, instruction and practice with basic academic skills, a focus on the Learner Qualities, and the Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards, CCSD21 students will be well-prepared as life-long learners for high school, college, and beyond.
The School District 21 Curriculum goes through a regular review cycle led by the Department of Curriculum and Learning. This cycle includes matching the curriculum’s alignment with the Illinois Learning Standards, verification of the degree to which the curriculum is being taught, and ensuring that the best resources are available to teachers and students for different components of the curriculum.