The goal is to help students build on the work of previous grades through a clearly defined scope and sequence. “Curriculum is not the answer to everything,” Magness acknowledges. “There’s still the art of teaching and different strategies that can really help us with student instruction, but having that access to the same curriculum, regardless of the school that you go to, is really critical for kids.” The district is also focusing on technology, using it as a tool to enhance learning outcomes. Each KASD student is equipped with a Chromebook, and a technology committee has been formed to help guide the implementation of the district’s “Future Ready” framework. “The Future Ready Framework is made up of seven different components of technology integration. It helps us to ensure that we are using technology in a really comprehensive and intentional way for teaching and learning,” details Slowinski. He notes that this helps to ensure effective use of technology and is one of 21 key performance indicators in the district’s Continuous Improvement Plan. “We’re really working to evaluate how we can best leverage the use of technology in the most appropriate circumstances,” he expands.“That means taking a look at the learning task at hand and figuring out what’s the best tool for us, technology or non technology, to maximize the students’ learning.” Additionally, several high school staff members are part of an AI Task Force, exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance instruction, support teachers, and help students understand how to use it effectively. BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Strategic investment is helping KASD to build and grow, thanks to a successful $198 million capital referendum. The largest piece of the referendum projects is for the construction of a new middle school,” says Chris McDaniel, Director of Operations and Finance. “We are a fifth through eighth grade middle school. It’s a concept that’s worked well for us for well over a decade now. People felt strongly that the consistency in those four years really helps students.” With an expected completion date of fall 2028, this new middle school will be built on land 272 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 KAUKAUNA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
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