Teaching & Learning

Curriculum Review and Adoption

South St. Paul Public Schools follows a systematic curriculum review cycle to ensure instructional materials remain current, standards-aligned, culturally responsive, and reflective of best practices.

The review process includes:

• Student achievement and growth data analysis
• Teacher and administrator feedback
• Research and evidence-based instructional practices
• Community and stakeholder input
• Evaluation of instructional resources and materials

This process helps ensure students have access to high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for future success.

View the Curriculum Review Cycle (coming soon)

South St. Paul Public Schools utilizes the Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS) to ensure all students receive the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and enrichment supports they need to be successful.

Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS) is a systemic, continuous improvement framework for ensuring positive social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and academic outcomes for every student. MnMTSS provides access to layered tiers of culturally and linguistically responsive, evidence-based practices and relies on the understanding and belief that every student can learn and thrive. In addition, it engages an anti-bias and socially-just approach to examining policies and practices and ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunity. 

The MnMTSS Framework is a comprehensive and integrated system framework that envelops all aspects of educational systems in five components. Each of these system elements work together to ensure efficient use of resources and positive student outcomes. A brief introduction to the framework can be found on the page titled The MnMTSS Framework, and more detailed information is available in our MnMTSS Framework document.  \

Read more about MTSS at SSPPS

Literacy is foundational to learning across all content areas and grade levels. South St. Paul Public Schools is committed to providing evidence-based literacy instruction that develops strong readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers.

Our literacy framework includes:

• Early literacy development
• Explicit and systematic reading instruction
• Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
• Ongoing assessment and progress monitoring
• Intervention and enrichment opportunities
• Support for multilingual learners

Local Literacy Plan

The district's Local Literacy Plan outlines our approach to literacy instruction, assessment, intervention, and family engagement to support student achievement.

View the Local Literacy Plan (coming soon)

High-quality instruction is the most important school-based factor influencing student learning.

Across the district, educators implement instructional practices that are:

• Student-centered
• Standards-aligned
• Evidence-based
• Inclusive and culturally responsive
• Data-informed
• Focused on engagement and deeper learning

Teachers collaborate through professional learning, instructional coaching, and continuous improvement processes to ensure all students experience meaningful learning opportunities.

Technology enhances learning by expanding opportunities for creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

South St. Paul Public Schools integrates technology in purposeful ways that support student learning and digital citizenship.

Digital learning supports students in:

• Accessing instructional resources
• Collaborating with peers and teachers
• Demonstrating learning through multiple formats
• Developing responsible digital citizenship skills
• Building technology skills necessary for future success

The district is committed to ensuring equitable access to digital learning tools and resources for all students.

South St. Paul Public Schools develops a Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) Plan as required by Minnesota law. The CACR framework guides our strategic efforts to improve student achievement and prepare students to become informed, engaged, and successful members of their communities.

The CACR goals focus on ensuring:

• All children are ready for school.
• Achievement and opportunity gaps are reduced.
• All students are ready for career and college.
• All students graduate from high school.
• All students are prepared to be lifelong learners and engaged citizens.

The district's CACR Plan is developed with input from students, families, staff, and community members and is reviewed annually by the School Board.

Measuring Progress

South St. Paul Public Schools uses multiple measures to monitor progress toward these goals, including:

• Student achievement and growth data
• State and local assessment results
• Graduation rates
• College and career readiness indicators
• Postsecondary outcomes
• Student, family, and staff feedback

Community Engagement

Families, students, staff, and community members play an important role in shaping the district's strategic direction. Annual reporting and public engagement opportunities provide stakeholders with opportunities to review progress and provide feedback on district priorities.

View the CACR Plan (coming soon)

View the CACR Annual Report (coming soon)

Families are essential partners in student success. South St. Paul Public Schools values strong home-school partnerships and provides opportunities for families to engage in their child's educational experience.

Together, educators and families create the conditions that support academic achievement, personal growth, and lifelong learning.