The Somerville Public Schools offer curriculum, instruction, and assessment services that are aligned with both the Massachusetts Education Reform Act and current research in education. In order to provide our students with a comprehensive education, SPS offers the following services in curriculum, instruction, and assessment across grades PK-12.
- A wide variety of subjects and course offerings, including music and art in all grades
- Updated textbooks, and other instructional and multimedia materials, to support subjects and course offerings
- The availability of current technology to supplement subjects and course offerings, including 1:1 chromebooks for all students in grades 3 and up
- Significant emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving across all subjects
- Emphasis on learning environments that encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary projects
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary projects that encourage research and a variety of assessments
- Opportunities for students to be engaged in the arts through interdisciplinary projects
- After-school programs that provide enrichment activities aligned with school system objectives
- Regular assessment to monitor student mastery and drive instructional and curricular decision making
- A year-round schedule of professional development for our teachers to enhance skills
- A Somerville Public Library partnership aligned with our year-round reading program
Classroom instruction is closely aligned with efforts in the Special Education Department, Multilingual Learners Education Department, Somerville Community Schools, and Somerville High School Counseling Department to ensure students have the individual attention and the time they need to maximize their potential.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Staff
Dr. Jessica Boston Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Academics
Kathleen Bailer, Director of Early Education and Care Department
Jason Behrens, Innovation Specialist
Caeli Gallitano, Director of Equity and Excellence
Chris Glynn, Director of Educator Development
Samantha Eligene, Director of Data, Assessment, and Accountability
Uri Harel, Federal Grants and MCAS Administrator
Paula O'Sullivan, Coordinator of K-8 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Kathleen Seward, Coordinator of K-8 Humanities Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Resources
- Academic Update RE: Literacy Curriculum
- APA citation reference list
- District Curriculum Accommodation Plan
- HILL for Literacy K-5 Needs Assessment
- Homework Policy (revised May 2022)
- Infotrac research database
- Minuteman Library Network research database
- School Committee Ed. Programs Subcommittee (current school year)
- Somerville Public Library online catalog
- SPS Field Trip Manual
- SPS Field Trip Forms
- SPS Research Application Form for Researchers