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  1. DEPARTMENTS
  2. Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
  3. Curriculum

Curriculum

Curriculum Department

Our goal is to provide rigorous and relevant education through quality teaching and learning, providing an aligned framework for student success.

Explore the Joplin Schools K-12 Curriculum Here

Click here to Explore K-12 Curriculum

Joplin Schools Curriculum website with sections for Elementary, Middle, and High School.

Joplin Schools curriculum is designed to prepare our students for a successful future by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving using standards and systems that aim to align student progress from Pre-K all the way through graduation. This curriculum is designed through collaboration with state and district leadership, as well as the invested efforts of teachers and team leaders across the district using feedback throughout the curriculum writing process. Curriculum is also closely tied to continuous improvement efforts to analyze a variety of student data including formative, summative, and growth assessments throughout the academic year. 

Joplin Schools offers:

  • Gifted Education for students in 2nd through 8th grade
  • Career Academies
  • Dozens of Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses
  • Associates degree opportunities
  • Seal of Biliteracy
  • Joplin Early Childhood preschool education
  • Transitional Kindergarten
  • Special Education
  • Literacy Interventions such as, LETRS, 95%, and Read 180 
  • Vocational education courses at Franklin Technology Center
  • An Alternative and Virtual Academy
  • Summer School offering both remedial and enrichment programs  
  • Kindergarten Jumpstart 
  • A variety of support services and interventions for students at all grade levels

The complete Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Development Plan for 2022-2027 can be found here.   

Joplin Schools Curriculum Department Staff

  • Libbie Burd, Coordinator of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction: 417-625-5200 ext. 2037
  • Chris Young, Coordinator of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction: 417-625-5200 ext. 2206
  • Hannah New, Coordinator of Student Services Curriculum & Instruction: 417-625-5200 ext. 2007
  • Cathy Mock, Administrative Assistant: 417-625-5200 ext. 2006

 

Spotlight on Joplin Schools Curriculum: 95 Percent Group for K-5 Phonics

A quote from Sarah Mwangi, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services at Joplin Schools, about the implementation of core phonics instruction in classrooms.

Aligned phonics instruction for every student can change the culture of teaching and learning.

All students in grades K-5 at Joplin Schools now have access to the foundational phonics and word study skills offered in 95 Phonics Core Program®. This means a huge shift in the way students are prepared to enter middle school and will impact their success for years to come. Learn how Joplin teachers are leading the way.

Staff Professional Development

Joplin has a vast array of professional development (PD) opportunities for district staff. Just as students need instruction that meets their individual needs, it is important that we differentiate professional development opportunities to meet the specific needs of our staff.

Our Joplin Professional Development Team (JPDT) is comprised of teachers at every level (elementary, middle school, high school) who are voted on by their peers to serve on this team each year. It also includes several principal representatives who help guide the group. This team determines how 1% of state funds (which must be used for professional development needs only) are distributed and spent. They also develop, guide, and lead the mentor/protégé program for the district and determine district PD needs.

Joplin Professional Development Resource Library

Rather than being directed by the administration, professional development has been moved to the site/building level. With this improvement, teachers and principals are able to address specific needs at their site and truly differentiate learning.

District professional development is provided when buildings have common needs. The district will seek in-district providers of professional development before looking to outside sources. Building capacity within our professional teachers provides a valuable resource as we work to impact students in a mighty way.