The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District prides itself on being a leader in our classrooms' innovative teaching and learning practices.
In the last several years, MCPASD has shifted to designing curricula centered around the individual needs of our students. This includes racial and gender equity, identity, belonging and learner agency.
"At the elementary level, for example, if a student has an interest in zoo animals, we can take that passion and incorporate it into math, so they design a zoo and think about area and perimeter," said Director of Elementary Education Mary Beth Paulisse. "It takes math and what they're interested in so they can apply it in a way that is meaningful and engaging for them."
The fascinating part, students at the high school level were the ones who initially came forward and expressed the need to change our history curricula so that more representative courses could be taught that include all students and their backgrounds.
"I think being thoughtful about how we can include students in our processes and how we give them a voice in what they're learning in the classrooms is one of the most exciting things that has been happening," said Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services, Sherri Cyra.
There are so many wonderful things happening with teaching and learning. We want to take you along to visit our classrooms and learn more about the new innovative curricula and instruction work our district has been doing.
"We want to develop that passion for learning so that no matter what students choose to do beyond high school, they know how to pursue their pathway and become independent learners," said Director of High School Education, Laura Love.
In a series of videos titled "What's Happening with Teaching and Learning," we show you the teachers, directors, and students who have made these positive changes happen and the new courses, curricula, and partnerships implemented.
"Change is both exciting and challenging, but we have incredibly skilled staff who work hard to support and serve our students," said Crya. "We also have a highly supportive community that supports education."
Crya says one of the areas she is most proud of is the work surrounding literacy.
"Starting in kindergarten, students write narrative, informational and persuasive or argument text," said Cyra. "Giving a wider range of text so that more students can see themselves as characters and authors or the topic that is covered in the text. I think we have worked hard to ensure that the materials that we use are representative of all students and a broader range of topics."
On the next "What's Happening with Teaching and Learning," we take you inside the 9th-grade Land, People and Power: An Ethnic Studies Approach to U.S. History course. The class is more intentional about including perspectives of all members of U.S. communities--from Asian, African American, Indigenous populations to Whites, and including students in the LGBTQ+ communities and those with special and unique needs.
"When I am out in our buildings and our classrooms, I can't help but be excited about the amazing work that our students and staff are doing," said Cyra. "We haven't always been great about telling our story because it's happening inside the classrooms and people don't get to see that. This series is an opportunity to highlight what is happening with teaching and learning."