Assessment Season (EC - 12)

We are moving into assessment season. This week, Kaneland High School hosted the ACT for our juniors. This test was last required by the state of Illinois in 2016. While it is similar in nature to the SAT, there are aspects of the ACT that are different in the administering of this assessment. The high school staff did a fantastic job ensuring an optimal testing environment for the students. 

After break, the elementary and middle schools will begin the IAR test. The elementary schools and middle schools have done an extensive amount of work to build awareness of this test for our students and our families. Thank you.

Curriculum Chat (K-5)

 This week the Curriculum Chats met with Exploratory Staff!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with KPASS staff that were able to attend was captured on video LINK .

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on April 9th with MTSS and SPED.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.  

Kaneland Connects Commitment Team Meeting

The Kaneland Connects Commitment Team met on 3-18-25 for their final meeting of the year. The team reviewed the philosophy of personalized, learner-centered practices that underlie each of the 5 commitments within the strategic plan. Additionally, the team reviewed the MTSS structures present across each of our 3 grade spans, and reviewed district progress within each strategic goal. The meeting concluded with participants providing feedback on the current plan and potential needs as we head into the development of a new strategic plan in the coming year.

Curriculum Chat (K-5)

This week the Curriculum Chats met with KPASS ELA!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with KPASS staff that were able to attend was captured on video LINK.

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on March 26th with Exploratory staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.  

Crosswalk Development (K-5)

 We are excited to begin the crosswalk development this week.  In working with union leadership, it has been decided to begin the crosswalk development work with Instructional Coaches and volunteers.  We will begin this Friday with the drafting of ELA crosswalks and begin Math in May once we have an adopted tool.  If you have any feedback to share with the team, please send to Sarah Mumm.  Thank you.   

FREE Math Items- Calling all Student Teachers (K-5)

 With the Math Curriculum Review Cycle coming to a conclusion very soon, we have many math books and workbook samples that will be discarded very soon.  The vendors do not ask for them to be returned.  These are great for getting lesson ideas, student workbook pages, and tips for teaching.  While they cannot be used in Kaneland next year as our core content for tier one, they can be used for tutoring students, sent home for at home use, or for any Student Teachers needing to start their collection of resources.  Please feel free to stop by room 211 at KMAC and pick up any and all items you wish to keep for your collection.  Items on the far back north desks are FREE for the taking!  All items will be sent to recycling as of May 15th.  Stop by soon and get your tools today!    

Seeking Proposals: IgKnight Professional Learning Conference 2025 (EC-12)

We will once again be hosting our own internal professional development conference on November 24, 2025! We will continue to offer a variety of sessions to meet the diverse needs of Kaneland staff. We are seeking internal staff who are interested in sharing their knowledge, experiences and resources with colleagues by hosting a session. If you would like to host a session, please complete this FORM. If you have a session topic request but do not want to personally facilitate the session,  please still submit a proposal and we will try to find a presenter knowledgeable on the topic of interest. Early bird proposals are due by May 15, 2025. For your reference, the negotiated in-district presentation rates are below.

**Contractual In-District Presentation Pay Rates: 

-Initial Lead (# of presentation hours x 2 plan hours x $40)

-Subsequent Lead (# of presentation hours x 0.5 plan hours x $40)

-Initial Support (# of presentation hours x 0.5 plan hours x $40)

-Subsequent Support (# of presentation hours x 0.25 plan hours x $40)

IAR Virtual Parent Meeting (K-8)

 Please share this invite with all your parents for the upcoming IAR Parent Night on March 20th.  Join the fun and learning tips for the upcoming IAR!  INVITE LINK

Curriculum Chat (K-5)

 This week the Curriculum Chats met with KPASS!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with KPASS staff that were able to attend was captured on video LINK.

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on March 19th with ELA KPASS staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.    

Math Review Committee (K-5)

 Today, the Math Curriculum Review team met for and the following key tasks were discussed and accomplished:

• The team reviewed all data sets from the 2-28 Vendor Showcase and shared openly feedback from classroom use, vendor meetings and material review. 

• The team collaborated through a google meets with Burlington School District to hear their feedback on their math review pilot and use of I-Ready.

• Grade level teams met and began to brainstorm professional development topics in math to focus on for next year.  These topics will be shared with Instructional Coaches and the Educational Service Department for planning. 

• The team decided to move forward with the following two programs:  Imagine Learning and I-Ready.

• The team will be meeting again on April 16 in the PM for final decision making.  The process for collecting feedback for the final math tool will be a survey for any staff member that has taught any of the final pilot programs that will be sent April 7th.  Math committee members will be coming to final consensus (or 85% majority) on April 16th, it is essential that you are present for this final meeting.  

Thank you to all members and pilot teachers for engaging and sharing today.  This process has been a collaborative process and decisions are not easy.  Your time that has been dedicated to this process is appreciated! 

Curriculum Chat (K-5)

 This week the Curriculum Chats met with 3rd Grade!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with the 3rd Grade staff that were able to attend was captured on video  LINK.

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on March 12th with KPASS staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.   

Social Emotional Resources for Educators (K-8)

 Please remember we have a free resources to support classrooms with Social Emotional learning.  There are great tools online in the toolbox for educators.  Be sure to check out the Be Good People and sign up for new updates to see new lessons and tools they post.

Calming Strategies Toolbox

Get on the mailing list HERE

Patrick Picklebottom Writing Content (K-5)

This week we concluded the author writing contest for the next Patrick Picklebottom book two series.  The professional author asked our students to write one of his next chapters in his book.  We had 13 students submit their own mystery to the author for his review and selection.  Our students' work was filled with excitement, clues, and a great hunt to solve the mystery!  We are so proud of our young authors!  We look forward to hearing from the author on his selection!  Thank you to all staff who assisted our students in this process. 

Kudos for the mystery submissions from the following students:

Lyla B.

Landon W. 

Kinser F.

Raina V.

Adeline D.

Sydni M.

Olivia W.

Charlotte G.

Rylee V.

Rowan D.

Clara Z.

Jack A.

Aubrey C. 

Curriculum Chat (K-5)

 This week the Curriculum Chats met with 2nd Grade!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with the 2nd Grade staff that were able to attend was captured on video LINK .

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on March 5th with  3rd grade staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.   

Board of Education Curriculum Practices Presentation - Math (ec - 12)

As part of the monthly Curriculum Practices with the Board of Education, Sarah and James presented information regarding ec - 12 math. For those who are interested, the slideshow has been linked here. Key topics from the presentation included:

• I-Ready, IAR, SAT, and AP data points

• Curriculum tools utilized

• Structures for the review cycle

• Plans to support IAR in the future

• The current ec - 5 curriculum review cycle

Because there is only one board meeting in March, the next presentation will be in April. This presentation will focus on Social Studies as well as Science. If you have any questions or thoughts for Sarah or James, please reach out through email.

K-5 Math Chat with Sycamore (K-5)

 This week was one of the two math pilot chats we had with outside schools.  Here is the video from the chat with Lisa Winters at Sycamore.  We will also be hosting another chat on March 3rd with Burlington to hear about their pilots.  Please note that these districts do not pilot the same programs as we have chosen so not all programs are discussed.  This does not discount them as options for purchase.  But the feedback does give some insight on how teachers are liking programs around our area.  Enjoy. 

PL 3.0 Ten Tenets Evidence Requirement (K-12)

Kaneland remains committed to learner-centered, personalized practices that support diverse student learning needs. Educators are encouraged to continue implementing responsive instructional approaches that enhance student learning experiences. However, moving forward, teachers are no longer required to formally submit evidence of their application of the 10 Tenets of Personalized Learning to the Educational Services Department. This adjustment aims to provide greater flexibility while maintaining our shared commitment to student-centered education.  

Curriculum Chat (K-5)

 This week the Curriculum Chats met with 1st Grade!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with the 1st Grade staff that were able to attend was captured on video linked here.

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on February 26th with  2nd grade staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.   

Educator Advisory Council (K-5)

 Today EAC met for the monthly meeting.  The following were topics discussed:

1. KPASS Survey Data Review 

• Harter Students: From the graph data, it seemed overwhelmingly positive, but the comments showed it was more 50/50

• Harter Teachers: They didn’t feel students were prepared to complete homework at home. They also didn’t feel parents were prepared for the homework load and due dates. 

• Current KPASS Parents: It was overall very positive. They were prepared for the change in teachers and learning environments. Most parents said it was better than the traditional model. A reoccurring comment was that there isn’t much information given prior to starting the KPASS model in 4th grade. 

• Current KPASS students and 3rd grade: 

• 3rd grade: The students seemed to be confused about the definition of KPASS and what it entails. 

• Current KPASS students: Most student data was positive. 

• KPASS Teachers: 

• There were a lot of comments about the differences between STEM and ELA workloads. Related services and SPED teachers found that scheduling for KPASS is difficult. It was also noted that KPASS sometimes “dictates” the rest of scheduling among grade levels. 

• A lot of KPASS Teachers expressed their want for a traditional classroom setting, but still gave a lot of positive comments. 

• Having one stand alone class in KPASS has made teachers feel isolated in the past due to the hardships of collaborating without common plan time with both ELA and STEM. It is harder for them to lead on their teams.

ACTION ITEMS: Survey results will be shared with the current KPASS teachers.  We will also be looking at the student data of current stand alone classes vs. current KPASS classes. There will be a follow-up survey for the current classroom KPASS teachers in the near future.  

2. Increase the PR of MTSS benefits with our community and the process of MTSS to SPED

• Posters hanging in the buildings at conferences and open house 

• Parent letters are sent home about interventions 

• Teachers at some schools include them in parent communication so they are viewed as a co-teacher

• The community has shown through comments that they know what MTSS is 

• SPED Eligibility process is deeply impacted by MTSS and “specific learning disability” would not be able to be included if no MTSS/RTI intervention is given prior

• MTSS/interventions are mandated by the state and Kaneland is meeting those expectations with MTSS

3. Follow up on preferred PD structure for new adoption

• Coaches will look over the data on the padlet and make recommendations.

Curriculum Chat (K-5)

  This week the Curriculum Chats met with Kindergarten Staff!  The running agenda captured the topics discussed.  Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with the Kindergarten staff that were able to attend was captured on video.  Please access using this LINK  .  

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on February 19th with  First Grade staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.   

Show What You Know (K-5)

 Our Show What You Know Campaign is underway and we would also love to hear from our staff!  This Spring we want to normalize showing what we have learned and encourage students to show their learning on Spring assessments through our show what you learned campaign.  Students have the opportunity to share a story about what they are learning to be entered to win a Spring raffle basket after IAR, and so does staff!  Submit your videos to Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org sharing something you have learned this past week, month or semester and you are entered to win!  We will begin this week sharing the videos of our community of learners on social media to celebrate our learning. 

Science Consumables (K-5)

 It is that time of year again to begin to think about the replenishment of Science consumables.  The Mystery Science modules have changed their supply lists a bit.  If you are in need of some replacement materials or new materials for the new modules, please work with your school office to get those items ordered.  If you have any questions at all, please reach out to Sarah Mumm. 

SIP Data- Feedback SIP Goal Final Data (EC-12)

Please use this as the final language for all summative and student growth goal meetings. Congrats to all staff on a job well done on feedback conferences. Keep sharing timely feedback with students.

By the end of February 2025, the district will move 25% in student self-reported feedback to a higher level within the feedback typology  as compared to the pre-data from the April 2024 survey. (Commitment Connection PBP, and Personalized Learning Tenet G). 

Data Collected: 

FALL: 2925 (2020 3rd-12th grade and 720 K-2) 75% of our student population (3905)

SPRING: 2372 (1789 from 3th-12th and 583 K-2) 61% of our student population

	April 2024 Baseline Data	September 2024 Data Check-in	February 2025 Post-Data	Percent moved to higher level
Level 1	17%	37%	14.6%	Comparison of the two constants level 1 and level 3, shows a movement to a higher level of 30.9%. (47.9%-17%)
Level 2	52%	49%	37.5%
Level 3	31%	27%	47.9%
TOTAL	2061		2372

NOTE:  September check in data totals 113% due to the K-2 form allowing students to select more than one level at a time.  This data is check in data and the goal is based on April 2024 data.

Unsatisfactory: Increase in level 1 percent  

Needs Improvement:  Less than 20% growth, but no regression

Proficient:   21% to 25% movement by 1 or more levels

Distinguished:  26% movement by 1 or more levels

Calling All K-5 Writers...Chance to be PUBLISHED! (K-5)

The author of the Patrick Picklebottom book series (our escape room and 5 Schools 1 Book read last year) is working exclusively with Kaneland on a writing contest!  He wants our young writers to submit his next mystery to be published in his next book!!!!  You heard that right, our Kaneland student's writing will be in his next book!  See the attached flier to learn more about the contest. All submissions must be sent to Sarah Mumm by February 25th at 10358@kaneland.org. Students K-5 are eligible to participate.  Please share this great news with your K-5 writers and families.  

MTSS Coordinator Meeting (K-5)

 The following discussions took place during the monthly MTSS Coordinator meeting:

Updates and collaboration with the Behavior Facilitators and coaches.

Discussion of Rigby assessment and running record practices for the future.  

Reflection of KIPLA practices and check ins that are occurring.

The start of planning for assessment for the Fall.  At this time we will not be holding a Fall Rigby, we will be using the Spring Rigby as the starting point for our students.  

The team also began to consider how to clarify the places data and tools for MTSS are for next school year.  We hope to bring clarity on the data hub, data wall, and FRM over the next four months.  

The team planned the IAR planning for Kane County Day.  They will also be collaborating with Martne and Laura to assist with KIPLA. 

The team discussed the Early Bird screening pilot.  The permission slip is going out this week to pilot students with the options for students’ families to opt out by Friday.

The district tech office is working through the process of using the new IAR launchpad and getting students’ accommodations and teachers’ logins set up for the testing period.  We will be sending updates as we get them on the new platform.

Laura will be working on the process of the MTSS structure planning for next year starting in April after IAR.    

The notes were reviewed and approved by:  Sarah Mumm, Shaun Wenz, Catherine Orin, Laura Garland and Chris Sears

6 - 8 Exploratory Curriculum Review Joint Statement

On 2/10/25, the 6 - 12 exploratory team met to review curriculum and material needs. Online subscriptions were reviewed, as well as essential materials needed in music, media, industrial arts and STEAM labs. Total dollar amounts for each of the subjects within the exploratory were calculated. Additional information is needed for the art curriculum platform in terms of pricing, so a meeting with this provider has been scheduled.  Follow-up conversations with peers in exploratory will be conducted.

Kane County Institute Day

 Thank you to all who have submitted a request for sessions at the Kane County Institute day. As of today, all submitted requests have been approved. Please enjoy your day on the 28th. 

Curriculum Chat K-5 (K-5)

 This week the Curriculum Chats met with SPED Staff!  The running agenda captured the topics discussed.  Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with the SPED staff that were able to attend was captured on video.  Please access using this link.  

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on February 12th with  Kindergarten staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.   

Exploratory Review Meeting (K-5)

Today, the Exploratory Curriculum Review team met to continue their ongoing planning process, which spans 18 months to 2 years. The following key tasks were accomplished:

The group reviewed data from the stakeholder survey to make a final decision on the proposed Exploratory content areas for the 2026-2027 academic year

In job-alike groups, the team reviewed unit and lesson ideas while beginning to plan the structures for non-negotiable learning elements (must-do vs. may-do) for the exploratory curriculum, both as a whole and for individual areas

In job-alike groups, the team began developing plan of work for a sequence for units of study, focusing on anchor units and lessons, edits for  PBP tables, and assessments

The team is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, April 9th, in the afternoon to continue their work

The notes were taken by Samantha Maurer and Stephanie Unger, but approved by the committee.

Professional Learning Resources (K-12)

 This past week the Ed Service and SPED Departments met with the SLD Project to review professional learning options that are offered to educators for FREE! Check out the resource and professional learning tabs on this website for access.  Check it out and earn clock hours too! 

K-8 Summer School Engagement Camp Options (K-8)

 Can you begin to feel the heat of summer coming?  It may not feel like it, but summer is right around the corner.  If you are interested in teaching a summer engagement camp, please reach out to Jay Bodine at HMS or Stacey Gacek at KST with your interest.  Share your camp idea or even if you do not have an idea but want to teach, they have ideas for you!  It is a great way to engage with our students in a fun and engaging way to build connections!  Summer engagement camps run 2 weeks in July.  Reach out with your interest today!  

K-5 Math Review (K-5)

 Today, the Math Curriculum Review team met for a productive session of collaboration. The following key tasks were accomplished:

• The team reviewed and assessed the current curriculum review process.

• Updates were shared regarding the pros and cons of each tool explored so far.

• Plans for upcoming site visits and online virtual meetings were discussed to further investigate the knowledge base of the top preferred tools.

• The schedule for Kane County Day was outlined, including time for curriculum representatives from the selected tools to showcase their products and address any questions.

• The team broke into smaller groups to discuss non-negotiables ("Must Do’s" and "May Do’s") and suggested edits for the Kaneland Math Curriculum Guide for teachers.

• A selection of articles was provided for team members to read during an extended lunch.

• The team reflected on best practices in mathematics, using this insight to refine the rubric for evaluating vendors at the Vendor Showcase on February 28th.

The session was focused and engaging, with significant progress made toward shaping the future of the Kaneland Math Curriculum.

K-5 Curriculum Chats (K-5)

This week the Curriculum Chats met with OT/PT Staff!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  I apologize for not attending I had a meeting conflict, thank you to Fran for facilitating. I will be following up with a few answers to posed questions to the group later this week.  

Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with the OT/PT staff that were able to attend.

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on February 5th with  SPED staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.   

6-12 Summer School Information (6-12)

 6th-12th Grade Summer School Update

• Dates: 

• June 16th - July 17th: High School Credit Recovery (only)

• July 7th - July 31st: All other 6-12 summer school courses

• June 30 - July 4th: No summer school (affects credit recovery only)

• Location: Harter Middle School.  

• Summer School Schedule:

• All 2025 summer school courses will take place Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (no p.m. courses).

• Middle School courses:

• 8:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m Academic Block

• 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Engagement Camps 

• High School courses:

• Bridge courses: 1.5 hours each/TBD

• Engagement camps: 1.5 hours each/TBD

• Credit recovery, government, personal finance, communication studies: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

• Apply: Interviews for summer school positions will start upon our return from winter break via Google Meets or in-person. Please reach out to me directly if you’re interested in teaching  summer school, and we can set up an interview at your convenience.  Please know that a few positions will be hired in the coming weeks or months, but a few positions will not be finalized until after registration opens and student enrollment numbers are available. 

• Engagement Camps: Engagement camps allow students to explore personal interests while building on their unique skills and knowledge. These camps feature collaborative, hands-on, project-based lessons that connect learning to real-world experiences. Previous course offerings included: cooking, fitness, music, intro to AP chemistry, and jumpstart to algebra 2. If you’re interested in teaching an engagement camp, please fill out an engagement camp proposal using this form

Curriculum Connection (K-5)

 This week the Curriculum Chats met with Speech Staff!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  

Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with the Speech staff that were able to attend, the sessions are voluntary and was captured here in this Video .  

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on January 29th with OT/PT staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.  

Word Study Feedback (K-5)

 It is that time of year again to begin to reflect and collect feedback on word study assessments.  This is the first year of having the common assessment for word study and sight words.  Please take a moment to share any feedback or revisions suggestions you have for word study or sight word assessments using the document linked below.  Thank you in advance for any ideas you can share.  The revision team will reconvene in May so please reflect prior to May 1. 

Feedback Document

K-5 Curriculum Chat (K-5)

 This week the Curriculum Chats met with School Psychologist!  The running agenda captured some of the notes of the discussion.  

Running Curriculum Chat Agenda  

This week's discussion with the Psychologist staff that were able to attend, the sessions are voluntary and was captured here in this video  .  

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on January 22nd with Speech staff.  Please remember these are optional events for staff.  Here is the recurring link.  

K-5 MTSS Coordinator Meeting (K-5)

 The K-5 MTSS Coordinators met today for the monthly meeting.  The following were topics discussed:

• The MTSS Coordinators met with the Instructional Coaches first in the meeting.  They discussed the timing of the post math test assessment.  

•  The team discussed the sharing and sending books home with students for at home practice.

• The team discussed the process of KDAB culmination for Spring.  At this time we will pause the typical process of data review.  We will come back next month and consider how to use data to look for learning trends and for decision making this Spring. 

• At this time the team will not be conducting co-teaching fidelity checks for spring. 

• The team discussed the revision of the assessment and creation of word study and sight word assessment cut scores.  The Ed Service Department will be contacting past Word Study team members for interest in continuing the work in the next week.  That team will meet in May and plan revisions for next year. 

• The next MTSS Teacher meeting 1/28 9:30-3:00 at KMAC.  This is a meeting for MTSS Teachers only.

• The team discussed the planning of IAR and mapping out the process of IAR events and looked at the checklist.  

• The team also discussed the Spring Rigby testing process.  We will continue to work on establishing the final process and sharing it with all staff after our February meeting for planning of the Spring Rigby process.  

• The notes were taken by Dr. Mumm but approved by the following staff members: Chris Sears, Kristi Purnell, Catherine Orin, Shaun Wenz

Our next meeting will be February 10th.