Teaching and Learning

Cohesive Curriculum. Effective Instruction. Ongoing Assessment

Lawrence Public Schools' Teaching and Learning department is at the heart of our critical mission to ensure all students are prepared for college, careers, and life by setting high standards for achievement and challenging learners to be their best selves.

Our promise — "To ensure that students of all races, backgrounds, and abilities achieve at high levels, demonstrate proficiency in reading by the third grade and in math by the eighth grade, and graduate on time prepared for success in college and careers," — is a compelling charge. To fulfill that mission, we must ensure that all teachers have the knowledge and skill to teach the current and future student population, who will be living and working in a global economy. That calls for instruction that is focused on preparing students for today and beyond. As a district, we are committed to giving every teacher the tools they need to work effectively so that each child can reach their potential.

Our Curricula

In addition to core curricular areas — language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, world language, fine arts, and career and technical education — our district's curricula provide programs and support for students with disabilities, students qualifying for gifted services, students receiving ESL services, and students in alternative programs for credit recovery and GED completion. Curriculum standards serve as a guide, defining what we expect all students to know and be able to do at each grade level.

Academic achievement for every student is our core mission.