Here at the Oregon City School District we want our students to think critically, collaborate with others on authentic projects, and persevere when learning gets tough. We want our students to leave school as expert learners who create and innovate. We want them to be reflective so that they learn from their mistakes to improve and grow

Instructional Frameworks:

OCSD middle schools are on a journey to become deeper learning schools. To achieve this we use three instructional frameworks to design learning experiences for students; (1) Universal Design for Learning, (2) AVID WICOR strategies, and (3) deeper learning competencies. Ultimately, we see deeper learning as the intersection of creativity, identity, and mastery. These descriptors give vision for our instructional decisions. 

When students engage in deeper learning they master content knowledge, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, think critically, and develop an academic mindset. Teachers utilize our flexible learning spaces to design experiences for deeper learning by using practices such as interdisciplinary and project based learning, Universal Design for Learning, and AVID strategies. Our instructional model encourages students to dig deeply into a subject, going beyond content memorization, in order to grapple with concepts and skills that are fundamental to each discipline.

Content Standards: 

Each class at Gardiner is based on grade level standards adopted by the Oregon Department of Education. The standards for each class informs what skills and knowledge will be taught throughout the year. OCSD has identified priority standards that are reported on throughout the year. See "Grade Reporting" for more information on report cards at Gardiner. 

Using the standards, teachers design deeper learning experiences for students that are relevant, engaging and rigorous. Units of study are adapted yearly to meet the needs and interests of current students. Teachers integrate interdisciplinary opportunities when possible. 

OCSD Adopted Curriculum

• English Language Arts: StudySync

• Health: Teen Health

• Math: CoreFocus

• Science: iQWST

Visit OSCD's curriculum page to learn more about the adopted curriculum for specific content classes. 

ELD:

The English Language Development (ELD) program's mission is to assist students with a home language other than English to become proficient in English.  Students and their families in the ELD program represent 40+ different languages spoken throughout our Oregon City community. English language development (ELD) is taught by ELL specialists through  pull-out sessions or push-in/co-taught content lessons at the elementary level and specifically designed class periods at the secondary level. The ELD Program also offers additional support for English language learners by scheduling paraprofessionals to assist students in selected mainstream classes. Finally, the ELD Program coordinates professional development for all district staff in the area of sheltered instruction.

Grade Reporting:

A fairly recent shift has been moving to Standards-Based grading (Senate Bill 2220), also referred to as Proficiency-Based Grading, aimed at preparing students for life beyond high school.  This Oregon state law requires grading practices to be focused solely on student progress toward state standards. 

• Students will not receive an overall class grade for each subject area.

• Students will receive a proficiency score (as shown in the table below) for the grade level content standards in each subject area. Proficiency scores are based on students’ current level of skill and/or understanding as demonstrated through assignments, projects, tests, etc.

This reporting method will help communicate students’ progress on discipline-specific skills and knowledge, while also encouraging continual growth and reflection.