Academics
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. We have compiled existing exploration opportunities district-wide and are working toward a gap analysis to identify future needs. We are also working on a cyclical process using our data to help drive our curriculum and instruction needs. The new program "Abre" will be a huge asset in enabling us to make more impactful decisions in a quicker way and with more confidence as we work toward our strategic goals.
For textbooks and core instructional materials, approximately every 7-8 years we rotate the main curricular areas to review, purchase, and adopt core programs. Under review currently is grades 6-12 English Language Arts. In addition, we are looking into materials to be used for the new Computer Science courses that will be offered in the upcoming school year. Finally, we are planning to offer Advanced Placement Government for the upcoming year which will require an update of materials to be sure students are adequately prepared. Our goal is to have recommendations for purchases for the board no later than the May 2024 board meeting.
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.
- Careers
- Life Skills
- Future Planning
- Hobbies and Interests
- Personal development and mental and physical health
Effingham Unit 40 intends to apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. If awarded, this funding will support 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 will provide academic enrichment opportunities and other activities designed to complement the students' school-day programs, such as tutoring, summer programming, credit recovery, etc. The program will also give 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.
Illinois Learning Standards
Illinois Required Assessments
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- Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) in grades 3-8
- PSAT 8/9 in grade 9
- PSAT 10 in grade 10
- SAT in grade 11
- DLM - Alternative Assessment in grades 3-11
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- Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) in grades 5, 8, and 11
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- ACCESS in grades K-12 for students who qualify for English Language Learning services