Well-known throughout the Capital District for its exemplary and innovative educational programs, the South Colonie Central School District is dedicated to preparing students to meet the demands of New York State exams and Regents diplomas. But more importantly, the district is dedicated to educating the "whole child" and preparing students for successful careers and rewarding lives. South Colonie offers a Pre-K-12 program designed to promote the academic and personal development of all students. For more about our programs, take a look at our District Brochure (pdf).
South Colonie Education Standards
South Colonie has adopted a series of Education Standards for its students to live and learn by. The theme is: "All Students Can Learn Well." Our Standards Flier (pdf).
South Colonie Curriculum Information
by Academic Department
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Curriculum by Grade Level/Subject Area
For a general overview of South Colonie curriculum by grade level and/or subject area, click here. To download a complete curriculum guide for elementary (K-4), middle school (Gr. 5-8)or high school (Gr. 9-12) students see Academic Guides located in the right column of this page under "more info."
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program
South Colonie operates a state grant funded Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for 4-year-old students based on a lottery system. For more information, click here.
South Colonie Curriculum Review Board
South Colonie Schools has a Curriculum Review Board in place made up of various district stakeholders including the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, K-12 teachers, a special education teacher, students, building administrators, a school board member, community residents, instructional supervisors, a guidance counselor and a library media specialist. The board has the following responsibilities:
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Review curriculum areas and establish priorities for future study, change and implementation, including recommendations for curriculum projects
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Use the Curriculum Review Cycle to establish priorities and long range district goals
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Review and recommend inservice training and staff development opportunities.
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Advise the Superintendent in writing of curriculum needs
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Review the results of curriculum projects written the previous year
New York State School Report Cards
The New York State Education Department releases School Report Cards on every public school and district in the state. Based on some key assessments taken by students in New York public schools, the report cards provide achievement data on districts and schools, as compared to their past years' performances and to other similar schools. Report cards are released each spring for the previous school year. South Colonie's most current NYS Report Card, released in April 2010, covers the 2008-2009 school year.
Students Face State Testing at all Grade Levels
The New York State Education Department mandates that all public school districts give state tests in English language arts, math and science to all students in grades 3-8. In addition, all fifth- and eighth-graders must take a state social studies test. High School students in New York State are required to pass five Regents exams in order to graduate - in English, Math, U.S. History & Government, Global History, and one science subject area. For more information on New York State testing for the present school year, click here.
SED/Regents announce new initiative to raise student achievement
In July 2010, the New York State Education Department and the Board of Regents announced a change in the "cut scores" for the grades 3-8 assessments in an effort to raise student achievement. Under the state’s testing system, “cut scores” are used to classify students into one of four performance levels. Students at Level 1 are not meeting learning standards; those at Level 2 are partially meeting learning standards; pupils at Level 3 are meeting learning standards and those at Level 4 are meeting learning standards with distinction. SED has now raised the cut scores for Level 3, meaning students must achieve at higher levels than ever before in order to be considered proficient. In a report released by the Board of Regents in July 2010 entitled: "A New Standard for Proficiency: College Readiness," (pdf) the Regents used a variety of academic performance statistics to justify this change, saying, "The Regents raised (academic) standards a decade ago. Now the Regents are embarking on a new era of reform to improve student achievement and better prepare graduates for college."
Academic Intervention Services (AIS)
New York State mandates that all public school districts offer Academic Intervention Services (AIS) to any student who is falling behind in meeting the state standards. Students are identified for AIS according to their performance on the state ELA, math, social studies and science exams in grades 4, 5 and 8. South Colonie students who score in Performance Levels 1 and 2 are eligible to receive AIS in the designated subject area. Some students are referred to the district's Response To Intervention (RTI) program.
Special Programs and Services: Assisting All Children
The district understands that children do not develop or learn at the same rate and is committed to providing every child with a quality educational experience. The South Colonie Central School District provides individualized instruction, accommodation of alternative learning styles, appreciation for diversity and promotion of healthy lifestyles. With this in mind, the district has developed and will continue to develop specialized programs and services that assist and support children in meeting their highest potential. For more on South Colonie special programs, contact the Office of Pupil Services at (518) 869-6759.
Elementary School Student Progress Report
The Elementary Student Progress Report (pdf) is one method the district uses to communicate your child’s ongoing development. Every child is a unique individual, maturing at his or her own rate. We encourage parents to celebrate their child’s continued growth. Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like further explanation of information found within the report card.
South Colonie Report Cards and Interim Reports
South Colonie Schools distributes report cards four times per year for the elementary, middle and high school levels as well as interim reports four times per year for middle and high school students. For a report card/interim reports distribution schedule for the current school year, click here.
