Academic Services

Empowering Excellence by "Empowering the Learner" Curriculum
Curriculum analysis and writing in Liberty Public Schools focuses on continuous improvement in our students. Each curriculum document is reviewed on an annual basis and is revised and updated in-depth on a six-year cycle via approval of the Liberty School District Board of Education. Criteria used to evaluate and revise curriculum include: student achievement data, parent and staff input, alignment with Common Core State Standards, the Missouri Grade Level Expectations (GLE's), Show-Me Standards and Curriculum Frameworks. Curriculum review also includes revisions in district curriculum maps and assessments and vertical alignment of scope and sequence.

 eCurriculum (Parent Access to Curriculum)

Liberty Public Schools Curriculum Development Cycle

Professional Development
The mission of professional development in the Liberty Public schools is to support education in the area of professional learning designed to improve student achievement. Professional development programs in Liberty range from first year teacher PD programs to leadership and mentor training for instructors K-12. Liberty Public Schools professional development mission is to retain and develop a highly qualified teaching staff through Professional Learning Communities. Liberty's professional development plan aligns the district curriculum with district and building strategic plans to identify needs of educators.

Assessment
The primary reason for testing at Liberty Public Schools is to gather information to make better and more informed educational decisions. Testing involves sampling student performance to identify and articulate progress in performance for individual students, and groups of students, and to adjust curriculum and instruction to meet the learning needs of all students.

Instruction
Liberty Public Schools offers a sufficient range of instructional techniques to meet individual student strengths and needs. By providing sufficient resources and developing instructional programs that ensure that EVERY student has access to appropriate instruction and developmentally appropriate content in each classroom.

Data, Analysis, and Interventions
Through monitoring and academic progress, and analyzing academic data, Liberty Public Schools can make decisions that direct instruction in the classroom. By reporting summative and formative academic performance to appropriate stakeholders (AYP, APR, MAP, etc.) teachers are able to evaluate student needs and develop and implement systematized intervention for Liberty Public School students.

Liberty Public Schools Principles of Learning 

1. Students learn in different ways.
   Students learn in different time frames.
   Mistakes are necessary and productive in learning.
   Problem solving and critical thinking are integral parts of learning.
   Students must have ownership in their learning and data.
   Students must understand the purpose of their learning.
   Students receive frequent and specific feedback.
   Student scoring is based on knowledge of a learning goal, not attitude or effort.

Academic Services Contact

Ms. Colleen Jones - Asst. Superintendent of Academic Services

Academic Services Team

Dr. James K. Hammen - Director of Student Services

Dr. Barb Wright - Director of Special Education

Mr. Trey Katzer - Director of Technology

Mr. Christopher B. Hand - Director of Assessment, Evaluation and Testing

Ms. Andrea Sumy - Director of Library Media

Mr. Aaron Money - Director of Fine Arts

Dr. Brian Herndon - Director of Summer School

Mr. Kelly Saluri - Director of Data Services