We want all students to finish school ready for a successful life. We believeevery student deserves great teaching every day in every class.
About Academics & Instruction in Salem-Keizer
All Salem-Keizer schools provide the same level of high-quality instruction to students.If you are wishing to send your student to a school outside of yourattendance area or to one of our specialized educational programs, you may completean in-district transfer requestNovember 1-30 for mid-year transfersor March 1-31 for following year transfers.
For more information on how instructional materials and curriculum are selected, please see our Policies, Procedures & Forms page.
- Equity in our Schools
- Elementary School Instruction
- Middle School Instruction
- High School Instruction
Equity in our Schools
Relentlessly PursuingEquitable Student Outcomes
At Salem-Keizer Public Schools, our number one goal is to ensure all students master grade-level academic standards and attain the behavioral and social-emotional skills needed to thrive.
Instructional Core
Excellence in the Instructional Core is defined by the following beliefs and values:
- All learning takes place in deep relationships between teachers and students.
- All students deserve a safe, predictable, and welcoming environment.
- Teachers and students collaborate to create communities where all cultures, interests, and identities are honored.
- All students have full access to the level of rigor identified by the standard.
- Instruction is standards-based, authentic and rigorous.
- Teachers design culturally relevant, engaging instruction that meets the interests and needs of all learners.
- Teachers monitor and adjust instruction based on evidence of student learning.
- Students understand the target, know what to do to get there, and how to extend their learning.
- The person doing the work is doing the learning.
When students feel included, safe, and welcome they are free to focus on their education.
Instructional Practices
In order to achieve the above vision and values for instruction, staff in Salem-Keizer commit to the following K-12 Instructional Practices:
- Intentional planning using culturally responsive, evidence-based strategies to support all learners featuring multiple means to access, interact with, and demonstrate learning of rigorous content
- Authentic, culturally responsive, and standards-based student tasks and assessments.
- Clear learning progressions with ongoing monitoring and targeted feedback by teachers and students.
- Flexible adjustment of instruction to scaffold and extend for all learners
- Explicit literacy and language development
- Development of critical thinkers through inquiry and collaboration
- Effective and positive classroom routines and systems
- Inclusive, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed practices
- Explicit instruction of social-emotional competencies and skills
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (MTSS)
We do our best to anticipate students’ needs in academics, behavior, and social-emotional skills, and prepare lessons that best support their learning. We use a variety of effective teaching practices to ensure that all students are able to learn at their appropriate grade level.
Because all students’ experiences and development are different, however, they sometimes need additional support to help them be successful. To make sure they get that additional help, Salem-Keizer uses aMulti-Tiered System of Supportsframework to address students’ needs. This is a research-based model that meets students where they are and builds on their strengths to improve learning, behavior, and/or social emotional needs.
Every student qualifies for this support, and school teams meet regularly to analyze data and decide how they can best meet the needs of their students. This may mean, for example, that students receive additional math or reading instruction, they have a peer or adult tutor that works with them, they are part of a friendship circle, or schools/teachers provide extra support within a student’s existing schedule. Whatever the case, we are doing everything we can to provide theright support at the right time for each student.
Districtwide Key Performance Indicators
We measure the success and progress of our schools and district by using Key Performance Indicators. Our Key Performance Indicators were selected to demonstrate progress towards our goal that all students master grade-level academic standards and attain the behavioral and social-emotional skills needed to thrive.
Elementary School Instruction
About Our Elementary Schools
Salem-Keizer Public Schools has 42 kindergarten through fifth-gradeelementary schoolsand two charter schools. These schools serve approximately 17,000 students.
Elementary Instruction
Reading lays the groundwork for every subject a child will study in school. Salem-Keizer is committed to ensuring that every student is able to read at grade level by third grade. Giving young readers the best start possible will provide a strong foundation for their entire educational careers. Literacy instruction is a critical part of every elementary student’s growth. For this reason, principals and teachers structure the school day so that literacy instruction is not interrupted.
State Standards
The elementary school core curriculum focuses on the basics of reading, speaking, listening, language, writing, English language development, math, science, social studies, and health. Our elementary schools also provide instruction in socio-emotional learning, music and physical education. The scope and sequence for these content areas is based on the state standards.
Learn more about Oregon State Standards (PDFs)
Giving young readers the best start possible provides a strong foundation for their entire educational careers.
Elementary Curriculum
You can download the following PDFs to learn more about the materialsSalem-Keizerelementaryschools use for core instruction:
- Language Arts:ReadyGen- ReadyGEN is an integrated and well-balanced approach to reading and writing instruction for grades K-6.
- Math:ReadyMathematics
- Science:Mystery Science
- Social-Emotional Learning:Sanford Harmony,Second Steps, andThe Toolbox Project
- Health:The Great Body Shop
'The Great Body Shop' and'Fight! Child Abuse'
Salem-Keizer Public Schools uses 'The Great Body Shop' and'Fight! Child Abuse'in its elementary health education program. This materialaligns with the 2023 Oregon Health Education Standards and Performance Indicators. The folders below contain parent letters and opt out forms in multiple languages for health education.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (MTSS)
Our elementary schools offer the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to establish positive school cultures. This is a framework that schools can tailor to meet the needs of their communities to help create safe, positive and caring school cultures.
Elementary Programs
Families have program options for education within our district. Salem-Keizer schools include several programs at the elementary level.
EDGE
Our Enhanced Digital and Guided Education (EDGE program) provides students with an online alternative to in-person classroom learning.
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
VisitValley Inquiry Charter School’s IB World program(application and lottery system for enrollment).
Optimum Learning Environments(OLE) Charter School
Environment, Civics and Technology Domains (application and lottery system for enrollment).
Spanish Language Dual Immersion Program
Dual language education is an effective approach to develop language proficiency and literacy in two languages. Currently, 22 Salem-Keizer elementary schoolshost Dual Language Programs.
Middle School Instruction
About Our Middle Schools
Middle school is an exciting period of development for our students – academically, socially, and physically. Students are learning and growing at a rapid rate, and they require care, attention, and support to prepare for success in high school and beyond.
Our Middle School Mission
We will foster the academic, social, and emotional growth in every student ensuring all students are on-track for high school graduation and college andcareer readiness.
Middle School Instruction
In middle school, students continue learning in the academic core standards in Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science, with additional requirements in PE and Health. Students also get to pursue interests in various elective options and programs so they can explore, grow, and learn about the world around us while collaborating with others who have similar interests.
State Standards
Our schools follow the Oregon State Standards for all content areas.
Supporting middle school students as they build the foundation for academic success and personal development essential for high school and beyond.
Curriculum
Unless designated as open source, curriculum cannot be posted online due to copyright laws. Please contact your student’s teacher to review and discuss what your student is learning in class.
Middle School Programs & Enriching Electives
AVID
All of our middle schools engage students in their college dreams through Advancement Via Individual Determination programming. Contact your local school for application information.
CTE
All of our middle schools provide access to exploratoryCareer/Technical Educationcourses that will lay the foundation for success in their neighborhood high schools.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
VisitValley Inquiry Charter School’s IB World program(application and lottery system for enrollment)
Music
All of our middle schools provide access to Choir, Band, and Orchestra instruction. We are proud of our successful Music Programs!
Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program
Dual language education is an effective approach to develop language proficiency and literacy in two languages. The dual language program is currently availableat Clagget Creek, Parrish, Stephens, Waldo and Walker middle schools. For more, visit theDual Language page.
Visual Arts
All of our middle schools provide access to visual arts education. Contact your local school for more information on course offerings.
High School Instruction
About Our High Schools
High School Instruction
High schools offer core classes as well as a variety of electives. Many classes provide students the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school. Students have an opportunity to earn an Honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate diploma by taking advanced-level courses that demonstrate the ability to succeed in a rigorous curriculum. High schools also offer a wide range of academic clubs and co-curricular activities including music, drama and sports.
State Standards
In high school, students access required coursework in Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Health, PE, Fine Arts, and Electives in the pursuit of an Oregon Diploma. Visit our Guide to Graduationto learn more about credit requirements to received a Diploma.
Learn more about Oregon State Standards
Our schools follow the Oregon State Standards for all content areas.
Providing high schoolers withdynamic learning opportunities to preparethem for college, careers, and lifelong success.
Curriculum
Unless designated as open source, curriculum cannot be posted online due to copyright laws. Please contact your student’s teacher to review and discuss what your student is learning in class.
High School Programs & Enriching Electives
Our high schools offer a variety of programs to help students prepare for career and college.
AVID
All of our high schools engage students in their college dreams through Advancement Via Individual Determination programming. Contact your local school for application information.
Advanced Placement
McKay, McNary, Sprague, and West high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) programs, known for rigorous college-level curricula and advanced college credit.
AP courses help students acquire the skills and habits needed to be successful in college. AP courses improve writing skills, sharpen problem-solving abilities and develop time management skills, discipline and study habits.
Career Technical Education (CTE)
As part of Oregon’s second-largest school district,Salem-Keizer CTEexists to help students graduate career ready. Through career and technical education, professional skills development, and rigorous coursework, students are prepared for postsecondary success. In partnership with parents, business leaders, and the community, Salem-Keizer CTE challenges all students to explore their potential, experience purposeful education, and excel in the world beyond the classroom.
College Dual Credit
All of our High Schools offer the opportunity to earn college credit while completing high school coursework. Connect with your high school to learn more about offerings.
International Baccalaureate
North and South Salem High Schools are International Baccalaureate World Schools.- North Salem High School – Diploma Programme, Career-Related Programme
- South Salem High School – Diploma Programme
Music
All of our high schools provide access to Choir, Band, and Orchestra instruction. We are proud of our successfulMusic Program!
Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program
Dual language education is an effective approach to develop language proficiency and literacy in multiple languages. Currently McKay, McNary, North Salem and West Salem high schools host the dual language program.For more, visit theDual Language page.
Visual and Performing Arts
All of our high schools provide access to visual and performing arts education. Contact your local school for more information on course offerings.
College & Career Centers
Our college and career center professionals and volunteers are eager to help students plan and prepare for college and career opportunities.
College & Career Centers Services
- College admission process
- Funding higher education and financial aid
- Military enlistment
- Gap year and foreign exchange experiences
- Apprenticeship, internship and work experiences
- Resume, interview skills and work readiness
- Mentorship through ASPIRE
- Career Exploration
- Scholarship Resources & Support
- College Visit Resources & Support
Visit Your School’s College & Career Center
- Early College High School
- McKay High School
- McNary High School College
- North Salem High School
- South Salem High School
- Sprague High School
- West Salem High School
- EDGE students should use their resident school page.
