Grade K-6 Curriculum

If you have any questions or need a print copy of the standards, please contact Dr. Matt Hilderbrand for elementary or Dr. Julee Sauer for secondary information.

• Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• Computer Science and Technology K-12
• ELA Standards K-12
• Fine Arts (Dance)
• Fine Arts (Media Arts)
• Fine Arts (Music)
• Fine Arts (Theatre)
• Fine Arts (Visual Arts)
• Math Standards K-12
• Physical Education
• Science Standards K-12
• Social Studies Standards K-12
• World Languages

The Papillion La Vista Community Schools assessment program uses multiple measures in order to accurately determine what a student knows and is able to do. Some of these assessments are mandated by the State or Federal Government and others are locally determined.
The MAP test fulfills a state requirement as part of Nebraska accountability which requires us to administer a nationally normed assessment. It also serves as a valuable tool to understand how to respond to individual student learning needs, determine instructional groups, select appropriate materials, monitor progress, and differentiate instruction. In this document you will find additional information regarding the MAP test and how it will be used in the Papillion La Vista Community Schools.

What is NWEA MAP?
Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping all children learn. NWEA provides assessments called Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to improve teaching and learning.

What does a MAP assessment look like?
MAP assessments are computerized adaptive tests that measure your child’s instructional level in math, reading and language usage. When taking a MAP test, the difficultly of each question is based on how well a student answers all the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. In an optimal test, a student answers approximately half the items correctly and half incorrectly. The final score is a reliable estimate of the student’s achievement level. Although MAP is not timed, it usually takes students about 45-60 minutes to complete each assessment.

Who takes the MAP test?
Beginning with the 2018-19 year, students in grades K - 9 will take the MAP Assessment. MAP may also be used at other grade levels as an initial screener for High Ability Learner (HAL) identification and intervention monitoring.

When will students be assessed?
Students will take the assessment in the fall (September/October) and winter (January/February). If your student does not finish an assessment within the time-frame set aside for his or her class, the assessment may be paused and then resumed at a later date without penalty.

Do all students in the same grade take the exact same test?
No. MAP assessments are designed to target a student’s academic performance in mathematics, reading, and language usage. These tests are tailored to an individual’s current achievement level. This gives each student a fair opportunity to show what he or she knows and can do.

What are the benefits of the MAP assessment?
MAP assessments support Nebraska College and Career Readiness standards and also provide projections for other assessments such as the ACT. The results from MAP provide teachers with accurate and timely information to assist in their classroom instruction. Teachers may use the students instructional level information from a MAP assessment to monitor student learning and pinpoint areas for more specific and intense instruction as well as celebrate areas where significant growth has occurred.

What is a RIT score?
Once students have completed the MAP, they will receive their RIT score. Similar to measuring height on a yard-stick, the RIT scale is used to measure how “tall” a student is on the curriculum scale and scores can be compared to tell how much growth a student has made. The RIT score is one of the most important pieces of information on a student’s report. This score is independent of the age or grade of the student, and reflects the instructional level at which the student is currently performing.

When will I see how my child performed on the MAP?
Parents and students will receive a student performance report following each administration of the test.

Growth Over Time
We expect RIT scores to increase over time. Typically, younger students show more growth in one year than older students. Students who test above grade level often show less growth. Sometimes RIT scores may decline from one test to the next. One low test score is not cause for immediate concern. Like adults, students have good and bad days and their test results do not always indicate what they know and can do. Students' attitudes toward the test can also affect their score. Therefore, growth over time is a better measure of student learning. Our goal is to use the data to differentiate instruction, monitor student progress, and identify those students that could benefit from additional support and intervention so that all students in PLCS can master rigorous academic expectations.

The Lexile Framework for Reading
After completing the MAP, students will also learn their Lexile range. A Lexile range is a score that helps identify reading material that is at an appropriate difficulty level for an individual student. Reading materials are written at a set Lexile level. Knowing your child’s Lexile range will help you identify materials that match his or her reading level. Keep in mind that Lexile does not evaluate genre, theme, content, or interest. Even though a student might be able to read books at a certain Lexile, the content or theme of the text may not be appropriate for that particular student because of his or her age or developmental level. Also, a student may be able to read more difficult content if it is an area of interest for that child since he or she may already be familiar with some of the vocabulary necessary to comprehend the text.

Examples of Sample Books
Green Eggs and Ham, Lexile = 30
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Lexile = 940
Pride and Prejudice, Lexile = 1100
Charlotte’s Web, Lexile = 680

Commonly Used Terms
Here are some other terms you will hear and use as you are talking with teachers and your children about MAP.

District Average
The average RIT score for all students in PLCS in the same grade who were tested at the same time as your child.

Norm Group Average
The average score of students who were in the same grade and tested in the same term as observed in the latest NWEA norming study.

Percentile Range
Percentiles are used to compare one student’s performance to that of the norm group. Percentile means the student scored as well as, or better than, that percent of students taking the test in his/her grade. There is about a 68 percent chance that a student’s percentile ranking would fall within this range if the student tested again relatively soon.

Percentile Rank
This number indicates the percentage of students in the NWEA norm group for this grade that this student’s score equaled or exceeded.

The English Language Arts curriculum in PLCS is designed to help all students become strong, confident readers and writers. Our K-6 program is built on the Nebraska State Standards and focuses on the five essential areas of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Through daily lessons, students develop the skills they need to read, write, speak, and listen effectively. Our goal is to build a solid foundation that helps every student grow as a learner and prepares them for success in school and beyond.

The curriculum is designed to be coherent and problem-centered, promoting an inquiry-based teaching-learning environment by identifying important mathematical ideas and embedding essential understandings. This approach allows students to develop effective reasoning skills across verbal, numeric, graphic, and symbolic representations in both conceptual and procedural knowledge. Our curriculum is structured to focus on core concepts within each grade level, fostering a more in-depth understanding of critical mathematical ideas in number, algebra, geometry, and data. Mathematics is taught using the Math Investigations curriculum from Kindergarten through 5th Grade, while 6th grade utilizes an investigative program called Connected Math.

The science curriculum is designed to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary for our students to become scientifically literate and civically minded. Students actively participate in investigations and explore concepts through phenomena-based inquiries, integrating powerful literacy, digital, and interactive content to comprehend key scientific ideas. Learning experiences intentionally intertwine science content knowledge with critical thinking tools and practices used by scientists and engineers. Students apply their literacy and mathematics skills in relevant and authentic ways as they construct scientific literacy. Kindergarten through 5th grade uses a program called Carolina Research and 6th grade implements a program called StemScopes. 

The social studies curriculum provides learning opportunities for students to question, evaluate, communicate, and apply ideas using multiple perspectives in the areas of civics, economics, geography, and history. Social studies prepares students to become engaged citizens in local, national, and global societies. The primary curriculum source for fourth grade is 'The Nebraska Adventure,' published by Gibb-Smith Education. Fifth grade utilizes 'Impact Social Studies,' and sixth grade uses resources from the 'World History' curriculum.

Our art program will highlight the transformative power of art, encouraging students to explore and discover their own passion for expression. Students will learn different art techniques and styles, reflecting on and revising their work. The curriculum incorporates historical and cultural connections, fostering authentic learning and intrinsic motivation. Students will be encouraged to engage in a variety of creative processes, such as creating, observing, interpreting, and experimenting. Art projects will often connect to other subjects to provide a well-rounded educational experience.

The elementary music curriculum provides students with the opportunity to practice and reinforce skills related to the three pillars of musicianship: create, perform, and respond as defined by the Nebraska Department of Education. The instruction, delivered by highly trained educators, is experience-based, dynamic, and active, with exploration being a central component of learning new material, enabling students to create age-appropriate musical outcomes. Students will diversify their music experience by engaging with a broad range of music from various cultures. Assessments use performance as a major cornerstone, and are designed based on multiple learning styles and adapted to meet the needs of all learners.

Music Performances: Every student will have the chance to perform at least once this year. Music teachers will set tentative dates for music programs each Fall and will share these dates with you. Formal evening programs are planned for grades 1, 2, 4, and 5, while informal performances will be held for grades K, 3, and 6. Performances may be combined with other school events and involve multiple grade levels, giving all students a comprehensive musical experience.

Students have the option to join the band program in 6th grade. Students can choose from a variety of musical instruments. Fundamental instrument playing skills, music theory, and expression are taught in small groups and big band sessions.

Students will take part in a variety of physical activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle habits. Our PE curriculum will focus on clear, essential goals for all students. A few examples are:

• Aspects of a health lifestyle
• Locomotor and nonlocomotor movements
• A variety of movement concepts

Elementary Counselors will instruct lessons with themes related to: 

• personal safety
• growth mindset, kindness, and perspective taking
• understanding differences among people
• personal development

These guidance lessons help create a positive learning environment and teach students important life skills. If students have questions, they are encouraged to talk with trusted adults either at school or home.  Further, Counselors are also available for individual and small group sessions to address specific student needs. These sessions are intended to run for short periods of time with minimal disruption to their academic learning. If your student needs more individual support outside of school, our counselors have access to a variety of outside providers and resources. 

Our librarians will meet with students once in each 10-day cycle, exposing them to rich, grade-level literature. Librarians also help students find books that match their personal interests, helping them build a love of reading. In addition to supporting literacy, our librarians will play a crucial role in fostering students' creativity and learning through technology. They partner with grade-level teachers to provide access to texts that connect with the curriculum and support students’ understanding of grade-level content. Librarians also ensure that each library collection reflects the interests of students and is regularly updated with new books and resources.

Outdoor Ed Information

Outdoor Education will take place at Carol Joy Holling Camp and Retreat Center, located near Ashland, Nebraska.  6th Grade Teams will be sharing information about this experience within your school building.  For specific information, please contact your student's classroom teacher. 

Departure will be approximately 8:00 a.m. from the school by bus for Day 1 and Day 2

Return times will be approximately 2:45pm on Day 1 and 9:30 p.m. on Day 2

Directions to the Carol Joy Holling Camp and Retreat Center

Carol Joy Holling Camp is a nonprofit camp and retreat center located on 320 acres of land in Ashland, NE.

27416 Ranch Road
Ashland, NE 68003