Academics » Academics

Academics

Effingham Unit 40 Schools is committed to preparing students with skills that will reinforce them in the classroom, and empower them in the workforce, and beyond. The curriculum for Effingham Unit 40 Schools spans from preschool through high school graduation. Our district’s strategic plan focuses on Curriculum in Goal 5 in the areas of exploration opportunities and challenging curriculum.

 

  • Goal 5a focuses on providing exploration opportunities for our students in grades Preschool -12, where students have choice and control. These activities may cover hobbies, interests, academics, physical or mental health, careers, and so forth.
  • Goal 5b focuses on challenging curriculum. For textbooks and core instructional materials, approximately every 6-8 years we rotate the main curricular areas to review, purchase, and adopt core programs. We are working on a cyclical process using our data to help drive our curriculum and instruction needs. 

 

During late Fall 2024, we launched a parent feedback survey through direct emails and text messages. By sharing their insights, parents will help us ensure that our students have meaningful opportunities where they can choose, explore, and grow in areas that spark their interests.

 

While parent feedback is important, we also value business and community feedback. We shared a business and community focused survey on our Effingham Unit 40 Facebook page. To continue improving and aligning our programming with the needs of our community, we need your expertise. Business and community feedback through this short survey will help prioritize our programs, promote career-focused learning, and create pathways that best equip students for future success. >>TAKE THE SURVEY!<<

 
Use the links below to see the current exploration opportunities for each building:    

Illinois Learning Standards

The Illinois State Board of Education has state-wide Illinois Learning Standards in the following areas: Early Learning, English Language Arts, English Language Learning, Fine Arts, World Language, Mathematics, Physical Development and Health, Science, Social Sciences, School Wellness, Career Technical Education, and Technology.
 

Illinois Required Assessments 

Content Areas: Math and English Language Arts
Content Area: Science
Content Area: English Language Learning
    • ACCESS in grades K-12 for students who qualify for English Language Learning services
 
Continuous Improvement Processes
 
Illinois Districts and Schools are required to use relevant information for evaluating educational processes for effectiveness, such as curricular programs, professional development activities, school entities, personnel, and individual student needs.
 

Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS)

Our district implements Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS) which is based on the premise of intervening early to prevent failure and to maximize the effectiveness of grade level  curriculum and instruction. Providing every P-12 student differentiated, high-quality instruction matched to their specific needs to be successful in our education system through a system of support for academic, behavioral and social-emotional student needs. MTSS is grounded in the belief that ALL students can learn and achieve high standards.  A comprehensive system of tiered interventions is essential for addressing the full range of students’ academic and behavioral needs.  Collaboration among educators, families, and communities is the foundation of effective problem solving. For additional information regarding MTSS in your child’s school, please contact the school.
 

SCHOOL AND DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT CARDS

January begins the state-required test season. We have various assessments ISBE requires our students to take. Typically, by May, all state-mandated assessments are completed. ISBE releases preliminary results to districts throughout June, July, August, and September; and then the results are provided at the November board meeting.
 
The Illinois School Report Card website houses the District and School report cards. Direct links are available: 
 

Effingham Unit 40 applied for and received the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. This funding supports comprehensive after-school programming for elementary, middle, and high school students at Effingham Unit 40 schools. The purpose of the federally-funded 21st CCLC Program is to provide opportunities for communities to establish or expand activities that will operate during out-of-school hours. This provides academic enrichment opportunities and other activities designed to complement the students' school-day programs, such as tutoring, summer programming, credit recovery, etc. The program gives the opportunity for students and their families to continue to learn new skills and discover new abilities after the school day has ended. More information about the grant can be found on the Illinois State Board of Education website. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the District office at 217-540-1500.