Academics

“If we teach children today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.” - John Dewey

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools' focus has been, and continues to be, effective instruction characterized by:

Positive relationships within a supportive classroom community
Relevant, engaging lessons that demonstrate the effective use of the formative assessment process (e.g., data-driven instructional decision making, timely and targeted feedback tied to learning targets, etc.)
Strategic integration of instructional technology
Research-supported grading practices and assessments that reflect the belief that all students can demonstrate mastery with appropriate time and support
Adherence to a standards-aligned curriculum
And much more…

None of the above should be viewed in isolation or as separate initiatives. Each of us must look holistically at effective instruction if we are to make gains in student learning. It is through genuine collaboration, a passion for excellence that refuses to yield to mediocrity, and growth mindsets embodied in continuous learning that, together, we can realize our mission to become the best educational system in America.

Catherine Kochanski

Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services

WLCSD Core Curriculum

Language Arts

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ language arts courses are aligned with the Michigan K-12 Standards for English Language Arts. These cross-discipline literacy standards are designed to prepare students to meet college and career readiness expectations by the end of high school. Grade-specific standards define what students should know and be able to do by the end of each year in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language.

In our K-8 classrooms, English Language Arts instruction takes place within a balanced literacy workshop framework that includes:

Reading: direct, shared, and independent reading of both literature and informational (print and digital) text;
Writing: direct, shared, and independent writing of arguments, narrative and informative/explanatory texts (including short, focused research projects);
Speaking and Listening: explicit teaching and frequent practice in large and small group settings;
Word Study/Language: embedded in the context of reading, writing, and speaking and listening, skills are reinforced using a variety of instructional approaches.
Technology Integration: to support the development of literacy skills for the 21st Century.

Mathematics

Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships. It is the language and logic of our technological world. Mathematical understanding provides the ability to explore, to conjecture, to reason logically, and to use a variety of mathematical methods and tools to effectively solve problems. The ultimate goal of mathematics education is for all students to develop mathematical capabilities so they may participate fully as a citizen and contributor in our contemporary world. Our current math standards are more rigorous and demanding than ever. Students are expected to develop a deep understanding of concepts, fluency with facts and procedures, and the ability to clearly communicate their mathematical thinking. In Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, our goal is to develop mathematical concepts in a manner that is challenging and supported for all learners. We believe that all children can learn mathematics, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that this vision is realized.

Michigan K-12 Mathematics Standards

Science

Our science program provides challenging opportunities for students to build their understanding of the natural world and apply this understanding to designing solutions that solve problems. Our goal is that all students develop scientific reasoning to prepare them as informed citizens who are equipped for college and career success.

Science proceeds by asking and answering questions about measurable phenomena in order to make sense of the natural world. Scientists seek to describe its complexity, to explain its systems and events, and to find the patterns that allow for predictions. Science is the basis for the design of technologies that solve real-world problems.

Michigan K-12 Science Standards

Social Studies

Our social studies program scaffolds learning opportunities that help students build their understanding of our world and allows them opportunities to apply this understanding to their own lives.

Our goal is for all students to develop and demonstrate the skills needed to succeed to become informed, critical and active citizens capable of succeeding in college and careers.

It is our belief that, in order to sustain our democratic republic, students must be "aware of their changing cultural and physical environments; know the past; read, write, and think deeply; and act in ways that promote the common good." - C3 Framework, P. vii. As a result, our social studies units incorporate content-area literacy as they address the four major disciplines: history, geography, economics, and civics.

Social studies allows students to investigate the answers to essential questions, make and evaluate evidence-based arguments, and communicate their learning to others.

As citizens, we are asked to make decisions about social issues on a daily basis. Schools have the responsibility to prepare all students-regardless of their future aspirations-to be inquisitive, competent, and skilled participants in our democracy.

In Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, our goal is to develop social studies skills, reasoning, and concepts in a manner that is challenging and supportive for all learners. We believe that all children can learn, and we do everything in our power to make sure that this vision is realized.

Michigan K-12 Social Studies Standards

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