Paula Canterbury Director

Contact Information

Telephone:  330.335.1315
Paula Canterbury:  wadc_pcanterbury [at] wadsworthschools [dot] org
Laura Giermann (Secy.):  wadc_lgiermann [at] wadsworthschools [dot] org
 

The Department of Instruction is responsible for the PreK-12 curriculum, classroom instruction, student assessment, standards-based report cards, and professional development.

Curriculum

Graded Courses of Study are developed for all subject areas available in the PreK-12 instructional program.  These documents are reviewed every 5 years to ensure that the curriculum for each course aligns with the Ohio Academic Content Standards.  The curriculum provided by the department is rigorous and provides students with opportunities to achieve at high levels.

Classroom Instruction

Quality instruction is critical to improving the academic performance, achievement, and social well-being of the school district's diverse student population.  The Dept. of Instruction develops, implements, monitors and supports all classroom instructional initiatives.  The department also purchases textbooks and instructional materials to support the goals and objectives outlined in the graded Course of Study.

Student Assessment

The department supervises the district's testing program at all levels.  Students are required by the State of Ohio to participate in the Ohio Achievement Tests, diagnostic tests, and the Ohio Graduation Tests.

In addition to the state-mandated tests, the PSAT, SAT and ACT are assessments administered to high school students to meet college entrance requirements.

With continuous improvement as the main focus for increasing student achievement, the test scores and trends are analyzed, interpreted, and shared throughout the year.  Teachers and administrators use the data to drive classroom instruction, determine student intervention, and guide professional development.

Standards-Based Report Cards

The Dept. of Insruction and Professional Development has overseen the implementation of standards-based report cards for Grades K-4.  Additional information is available from any of the links listed to the right.

Professional Development

In addition to providing a rigorous curriculum and quality instruction, this department makes available to staff many opportunities for professional development.  Throughout the year, federal and state grants are used to support programs, provide workshops and create initiatives for teachers to investigate best practices and learn new strategies to enhance their instructional skills.

 The Director of Instruction is a member of the Local Professional Development Committee, a committee which oversees the license renewal process for our certified staff members.  Meetings are held monthly and are available from the link on this page.