Teaching & Learning
The Teaching & Learning Department is committed to supporting our Cary 26 educators with the tools necessary to provide a nurturing atmosphere where our students have a desire to learn and develop as critical thinkers and innovative creators.
Our team oversees the development and implementation of the district's curriculum, instructional strategies, and educational programs, including:
- Assessments
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Gifted and Enrichment
- Multilingual Learning
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Technology
Assessments
Cary 26 administers a combination of assessments as a tool to help our teachers gain insight into our students areas of strength and continued growth. Assessments help our teachers set goals with our students, progress monitor and target instruction to best meet the needs of all our students.
Benchmark Assessments
- 2025-2026 Benchmark & Achievement Testing Dates
- Partnering with Families Through iReady
- Additional Resources
2025-2026 Benchmark & Achievement Testing Dates
iReady Benchmark Assessment - Learn More
Reading & Math Benchmark test for all K-8 students
- September 2 - September 19 (fall)
- January 20 - January 30 (winter)
- April 27 - May 8 (spring)
KIDS - Kindergarten Individual Development Survey - Learn More
Kindergarten Benchmark Observations
October 10 - October 24
ACCESS for ELLs - Learn More
Grades K- 8, English Language Learners only
January 14 - March 3
CogAT - Cognitive Abilities Test
Grades 2 only
February 2 - February 20
IAR - Illinois Assessment of Readiness - Learn More
Grades 3-8 only
March 2 - April 17
DLM - Dynamic Learning Maps - Alternate Assessment - Learn More
Grades 3-8 only, select students
March 11 - May 6
ISA - Illinois Science Assessment - Learn More
Grades 5 and 8 only
March 2 - April 30
Partnering with Families Through iReady
Our district uses the iReady online assessment platform to assess and monitor both reading and mathematics, helping teachers better understand and support each child’s unique learning needs. This tool allows educators to personalize instruction and track student growth throughout the school year.
The program includes two key components:
- Diagnostic Assessment (administered three times a year): This adaptive test adjusts its questions based on your child’s responses to identify their strengths and areas for growth.
- Personalized Instruction: Based on the assessment results, your child receives tailored lessons that meet them right where they are, helping them grow at their own pace.
To learn more about your child’s personalized instruction, explore the resources below for helpful information about i-Ready’s personalized learning pathway and other tools to support your child’s success.
Additional Resources
Curriculum and Instruction
Our focus is on ensuring academic excellence and equality for all students through rigorous curriculum design, innovative teaching practices, professional learning for educators, instructional technology, and support services that address diverse needs. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment that prepares students for future successes in a rapidly changing world.
Adopted Curriculum Materials
ELA
Our mission is to foster a love for reading, writing, and critical thinking in our students from early childhood through eighth grade. Through a rich and diverse curriculum, we aim to develop strong literacy skills that are essential for academic success, aligned to state standards, and lifelong learning.
Curriculum Overview
- ECE-Grade 2: Focus on foundational skills, phonics, and early literacy through interactive read-alouds small group instruction. Introduction to writing basics, sentence structure, and creative expression through drawing and simple writing prompts.
- Grades 3-5: Emphasis on reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary development using a variety of literacy genres. Development of paragraph writing, narrative, informative, and opinion pieces.
- Grades 6-8: Advancing reading strategies, critical analysis and interpretation of complex texts, including novels, poetry, and informational texts. Focus on essay writing, research projects, argumentative and expository writing.
SAVVAS MyView (Grades K-5)
SAVVAS MyPerspectives (Grades 6-8)
ELA Parent Resources
Health & PE
Human Growth and Development
As part of D26’s Human Growth and Development curriculum a Puberty Unit is taught during 4th and 5th grade. Classroom instruction is provided by the school nurse and Candor Health under the supervision of the classroom teacher. The purpose of this unit is to teach students facts about their bodies and prepare them for the up and coming changes they soon will encounter during their journey through puberty. As this is the first formal school guided introduction to gender specific changes, boys and girls will receive separate classroom instruction for portions. The following are guidelines for things that will be covered.
Health Guidelines & Resources
- 4th & 5th Grade Human Growth & Development
- 6th-8th Grade Curriculum
- Opt Out Forms
- Glencoe Teen Health
- Videos
- Parent Resources: Boys
- Parent Resources: Girls
- Candor Health Resources
- Erin's Law
- Additional Resources
4th & 5th Grade Human Growth & Development
4th Grade Hygiene Lessons
Whatsa Hygiene Objectives:
- Understand what hygiene is
- Understand why taking care of ourselves and our hygiene is important
- Boys and girls together
- Classroom Teacher as instructor
- Personal Hygiene video
BrainPop Personal Hygiene:
- Explore the importance of personal hygiene
- Learn the everyday habits that keep harmful bacteria away from your skin, hair, and teeth
- See. how good hygiene prevents illnesses and helps you feel calm and confident
- Boys and girls together
- See how good hygiene prevents illnesses and helps you feel calm and confident
- Boys and girls together
- Classroom Teacher as instructor
5th Grade Human Growth and Development Lessons
Day 1:
Candor Health-Puberty I: Understanding Objectives:
- Understand physical and emotional changes related to adolescence
- Understand change is normal
- Know that all people mature at their own pace
- Realize the importance of good hygiene
- Boys and girls separately for instruction
- Instruction provided by Candor Health
6th-8th Grade Curriculum
6th Grade Students will:
- Identify and describe ways to reduce health risks common to adolescents (e.g., exercise, diet, refusal of harmful substances)
- Describe how the individual influences the health and well-being of the workplace and the community (e.g., volunteerism, disaster preparedness, proper care to prevent the spread of illness).
- Identify potential environmental conditions that may affect the health of the local community (e.g., pollution, landfill, lead based paint).
- Explain how positive communication helps to build and maintain relationships at school, at home and in the workplace.
- Apply a decision-making process to an individual health concern.
7th Grade Students will:
- Identify and describe ways to reduce health risks common to adolescents (e.g.,exercise, diet, refusal of harmful substances)
- Identify how positive health practices and relevant health care can help reduce health risks (e.g., proper diet and exercise reduce risks of cancer and heart disease).
- Identify various careers in health promotion, health care and injury prevention.
- Explain how body systems interact with each other (e.g., blood transporting nutrients from the digestive system and oxygen from the respiratory system, muscular/skeletal systems [movement] and structure of the brain).
- Explain the effects of health related actions upon body systems (e.g., fad diets, orthodontics, avoiding smoking, alcohol use, and other drug use).
8th Grade Students will:
- Identify how positive health practices and relevant health care can help reduce health risks (e.g., proper diet and exercise reduce risks of cancer and heart disease).
- Identify various careers in health promotion, health care and injury prevention.
- Explain the effects of health related actions upon body systems (e.g., fad diets, orthodontics, avoiding smoking, alcohol use, and other drug use).
- Describe the relationships among physical, mental, and social health factors during adolescence (e.g., the effects of stress on physical and mental performance, effects of nutrition on growth).
Opt Out Forms
Glencoe Teen Health
Videos
Parent Resources: Boys
Parent Resources: Girls
Candor Health Resources
Erin's Law
At Cary School District 26, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priority.In alignment with Erin’s Law, we are committed to educating our students about personal body safety and empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves.
Erin's Law was passed in Illinois in 2011 as a vital piece of legislation designed to protect children from sexual abuse by requiring schools to provide age-appropriate prevention education. Our K-8 lessons are designed to teach children how to recognize unsafe situation and seek help from trusted adults if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Grades K-5 Program Overview
District 26 has partnered with Second Step, which is currently used for our social emotional curriculum, to use their Child Protection Unit. In these lessons students will learn:
- Personal Safety. Students will learn important safety rules, such as safety with guns, sharp tools, and fire, and when riding on wheels or in cars. They will also learn ways to help them decide if something is safe or not.
- Touching Safety. Students will learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches, and rules about touching private body parts. They'll also learn to say not to unsafe or unwanted touches, and to tell an adult if someone breaks rules about touching private body parts.
- Assertiveness. These lessons will also give students a chance to practice asking an adult for help, telling an adult about an unsafe situation, and being assertive to get out of unsafe situations.
To review the K-5 Child Protection Unit please go to SecondStep.org, create or log iinto your account, and add your desired grade level program with the activation code found below. This will process and provide you with detailed information about what your child is learning.
- Kg / CPUKFAMILYGK
- 1st / CPU1FAMILYG1
- 2nd / CPU2FAMILYG2
- 3rd / CPU3FAMILYG3
- 4th / CPU4FAMILYG4
- 5th / CPU5FAMILYG5
For a general overview of the K-5 Child Protection, please refer to the links below.
Grades 6-8 Program Overview
District 26 has partnered with Health World Education, Inc. to use their Keeping Kids Safe: An Erin's Law Program. Along with their video, lessons will be provided on the following topics:
-
Safe and Unsafe Touches
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The Safety Rule about Touching
-
Safe and Unsafe Secrets
-
Body Warning Signals
-
Safe and Unsafe Adults
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How to Speak Up and Tell a Safe Adult
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Sexual Harassment and Sexual Abuse
For an overview of the 6-8 Keeping Kids Safe: An Erin’s Law Program please refer to the link below. For any additional questions related to the Erin’s Law program, please contact any of our Cary Junior High social workers.
Keeping Kids Safe: An Erin’s Law Program Overview
Health World's Human Growth and Development Parent Reference Page
Family Resources
Additional Resources
Math
Our mission is to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of mathematics in our students from early childhood through eighth grade. Through a comprehensive and engaging curriculum, we aim to develop strong problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and mathematical fluency.
Curriculum Overview
- ECE-Grade 2: Emphasis on basic number sense, counting, addition and subtraction, and an introduction to geometry and measurement.
- Grades 3-5: Development of multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and more advanced geometry and measurement concepts.
- Grades 6-8: Focus on pre-algebra, algebra, ratios, proportions, and data analysis, preparing students for high school.
- All Grades:
- Encourage students to approach mathematical problems with curiosity and persistence.
- Integrating real-world scenarios to make mathematics meaningful and relevant.
- Utilizing digital tools and resources to enhance learning and engagement.
- Encouraging students to explore mathematical concepts through interactive platforms and software.
- Developing the ability to articulate mathematical reasoning and solutions both verbally and in writing.
- Promoting collaborative learning and discussions around mathematical ideas.
Math Parent Resources
Science
Amplify Science is an inquiry-based program that encourages collaborative, hands-on experiences with objects, organisms, and systems that enhance the development of scientific ways of thinking. Through science investigations, students work through units to collect information, analyze data, and record results. The science program provides opportunities for students to extend their scientific knowledge and experiences through content reading materials that support the science concepts.
The following is a list of modules/units taught in each grade:
|
1st Grade |
Spinning Earth |
Animal and Plant Defenses |
Light and Sound |
|
|
2nd Grade |
Changing Landforms |
Plant and Animal Relationships |
Properties of Materials |
|
|
3rd Grade |
Weather and Climate |
Inheritance and Traits |
Environments and Survival |
Balancing Forces |
|
4th Grade |
Earth’s Features |
Vision and Light |
Energy Conversions |
Waves, Energy, and Information |
|
5th Grade |
Patterns of Earth and Sky. |
The Earth System |
Ecosystem Restoration |
Modeling Matter |
Social Studies
The district's Social Studies K-5 program, TCI Social Studies Alive!, was adopted starting the 2024-2025 school year. Each grade level focuses on a theme that incorporates Civics, Economics, Geography and History that integrates language arts instruction, providing many opportunities for students to practice reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language skills. Below are the themes for each grade level K-5.
Kindergarten: Me and My World
1st Grade: My School and Family
2nd Grade: My Community
3rd Grade: Our Community and Beyond
4th Grade: Regions of our Country
5th Grade: America’s Past
SEL
SEL Curriculum and Instructional Time
Cary District 26 utilizes Second Step as its Tier I Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum across all elementary and junior high schools. This evidence-based program helps students develop critical life skills such as self-awareness, emotion regulation, empathy, and problem-solving.
learn more about second step for elementary (k-5)
Learn more about second step for middle school (6-8)
To ensure dedicated time for social-emotional development, students in grades K–5 engage in 30 minutes of SEL instruction daily, while students in grades 6–8 participate in 30 minutes of SEL instruction weekly.
SEL Universal Screeners
To better understand and support the social and emotional needs of our students, District 26 uses two research-based screeners:
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Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA): A teacher-completed tool that identifies students’ strengths and areas for growth across key social-emotional competencies.
-
Social-Emotional Competency Assessment (SECA): A student-facing self-assessment that gives insight into how students view their own social and emotional skills.
These screeners are part of our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and help us provide timely, targeted support where needed.
LEarn more about dessa and seca
SEL Universal Screening Windows
DESSA (Grades K–8):
- Fall: September 29 – October 3
- Winter: January 19 – January 23
- Spring: April 27 – May 1
SECA (Grades 5-8 only):
- Fall: September 29 – October 3
Instructional Framework
Gifted and Enrichment
Cary 26 provides academic support for students who demonstrate advanced academic abilities and profoundly gifted. Gifted services are available at each elementary school and are designed to meet the unique learning needs of high-achieving students through differentiated instruction, enrichment opportunities, and accelerated learning experiences.
Our goal is to ensure students are challenged, engaged, and supported as they reach their full potential. Services are tailored to each student’s strengths and may include small group instruction, advanced content, and problem-solving tasks that encourage critical and creative thinking.
District 26 supports a continuum of services to meet the needs of identified students at every step of their education, including:
Elementary
-
Kindergarten–2nd Grade: Students in K–2 receive enrichment and differentiation within the classroom, supported by the school’s gifted and enrichment teacher. High-achieving students may also participate in additional small-group opportunities during Tier II WIN (What I Need) time focused on literacy and/or math, based on classroom performance and iReady benchmark assessment scores.
Every 2nd grade student is administered a cognitive abilities assessment in February to help determine eligibility for elementary gifted services. Parents are notified of their child’s results by the end of the school year. Students who are formally identified as gifted based on the cognitive abilities assessment and other data points will receive gifted services beginning 3rd grade.
- Identified Gifted Students (Grades 3–5): Students formally identified as gifted receive targeted enrichment in English Language Arts and/or Math during Tier II WIN (What I Need) time. Gifted and enrichment teachers meet with these students weekly in small groups to provide deeper, more complex learning experiences.
- High-Achieving Students (Grades 3–5): Students who demonstrate high academic performance, but are not formally identified as gifted, may be invited to participate in enrichment or accelerated instruction throughout the year. These flexible opportunities may happen during Tier II WIN (What I Need) time, or classroom push-in, depending on student needs and scheduling.
Junior High
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Identified Gifted Students: Students formally identified as gifted are automatically placed into advanced courses for English Language Arts and/or Math to ensure they receive appropriately challenging instruction.
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High-Achieving Students: Students who consistently perform at high levels in ELA or Math will be considered for advanced course placement based on multiple data points, including i-Ready benchmark assessment results and classroom performance.
Right to Appeal
The parent of a child who did not meet the qualification criteria for the District 26 Gifted & Enrichment Program may file a written appeal. All appeals should be sent to the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. To learn more about the appeal process, please click here to review our handbook.
Students New to the District
Students new to Cary School District 26 who received gifted services from their previous school district will be considered for gifted enrichment upon registration. New students must meet Cary 26’s gifted and enrichment eligibility requirements to obtain services. New families should register their students at their base school and submit any gifted records from the previous school district. The Department of Teaching and Learning will determine gifted enrichment eligibility or needs for further assessment. To learn more about criteria for eligibility and the referral process, please click here to review our handbook.
Multilingual Learning
Cary District 26 is proud to support the linguistic and academic growth of students from diverse language backgrounds. We offer a range of language support services tailored to meet their needs. With nearly 400 students representing 29 different home languages, we value each language as a meaningful contribution to our school community.
Click here for more information on our Dual Language and English Learner Programs!
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
At Cary School District 26, the Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is our core framework for helping every child thrive academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. It’s a proactive, data‑driven model built on evidence-based practices, fully embedded in daily instruction to ensure all students get the right support, at the right time.
view our mtss page for more information
What is MTSS?
The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a comprehensive framework designed to meet the diverse needs of all students. MTSS integrates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports into a cohesive system to ensure that every student receives the right level of assistance at the right time and is prepared and ready to learn.
MTSS is
- A framework that guides student learning and is embedded into daily practices.
- A fluid continuum of supports
- Evidence-based
- Systemic
- Data-driven
- Approach for ALL
- Improves outcomes for ALL
MTSS in Action in Cary School District 26
- Universal Screening: Regular assessments to identify students’ strengths and areas of need. In Cary School District 26 the following screeners are used:
Academic Screener:
- STAR Renaissance for Reading (English) and Math (English/Spanish Dual)
To learn more about STAR Renaissance, click here. - LASLinks for Reading (Spanish Dual).
Social-Emotional Screener:
- Devereaux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA)
To learn more about DESSA, click here - Social-Emotional Competency Assessment (SECA), a student-facing survey
To learn more about the SECA, click here
- Tiered Supports: Fluid continuum of supports made up of tree tiers
Tier I: Universal Supports
- High-quality research-based instruction for all students.
- Positive behavioral expectations and supports (PBIS, restorative practices).
- Social-emotional learning programs integrated into daily activities (Second Step)
Tier II: Targeted Supports
- Small group instruction focused on specific skills to support and/or enrich students' learning.
- Check-in/check-out systems for behavioral support.
- Social, academic, instructional groups (SAIG).
Tier III: Intensive/individualized supports
- Individualized or specialized instruction.
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) / Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
- Counseling and mental health services.
- Progress Monitoring: Ongoing assessments to track student progress and adjust interventions as necessary.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to inform and adjust instructional strategies and interventions.
- Collaboration: Teachers, specialists, administrators, and families working together to support student success.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How will I know if my child is receiving MTSS Tier II or III support?
A: You will be informed through regular communication from the school about any assessments, interventions, and progress updates.
Q: What can I do at home to support my child?
A: Engage in regular reading activities, establish a routine, provide a quiet space for homework, and encourage positive behavior and social interactions. Reach out to your child’s teacher for more information on how to more specifically help your child in their area of need.
Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: For specific details as it relates to your child and their multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), please contact your child’s school and/or teacher.
Technology
Our focus is on ensuring academic excellence and equality for all students through rigorous curriculum design, innovative teaching practices, professional learning for educators, instructional technology, and support services that address diverse needs. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment that prepares students for future successes in a rapidly changing world.
Contact Us
Ivette Rivera
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
ivette.rivera@cary26.org
Deb McDonald
Executive Administrative Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
deb.mcdonald@cary26.org
Andrew Fitzsimons
Technology Coordinator
andrew.fitzsimons@cary26.org
Lauren Kramer
Teaching & Learning Coordinator
lauren.kramer@cary26.org
Melissa Lukesh
Teaching & Learning Coordinator
melissa.lukesh@cary26.org
Lynn Williams
Teaching & Learning Coordinator
lynn.williams@cary26.org
Department Org Chart