Curriculum & Instruction

Overview

The Balsz District Curriculum & Instruction Department is dedicated to serving all stakeholders to ensure students receive an exceptional education. Our mission is to foster the unique qualities of each learner, empowering them to become innovative and globally competitive thinkers who positively impact their communities. We aim to enhance student achievement and success in college, career, and life, adhering to the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards set by the Arizona Department of Education.

Academic Deans

We recognize the crucial role of instructional best practices and tier 1 instruction in student academic success. Academic Deans are stationed at each school and the district office, ready to assist as needed. Our District Academic Dean Team consists of educators with diverse instructional expertise.

Academic Deans' Mission Statement:

As content specialists, Balsz Academic Deans focus on building teacher capacity to enhance student learning. They use data and leverage individual teacher strengths, team dynamics, and school site characteristics to foster growth.

Response to Intervention

We are committed to addressing all student needs, including those requiring additional support to meet grade-level standards. Each school employs a Reading Interventionist and a Math Interventionist—both highly qualified experts using research-based practices and curricula to provide targeted support in reading and math.

Mentor Program

Our District Mentor and Induction Program provides new teachers with a comprehensive induction experience, based on Arizona Beginning Teacher Induction Standards and New Teacher Center Mentor Standards. This research-based approach includes continuous improvement cycles managed by our annual committee and the Arizona New Teacher Induction Network Team. Each new teacher is paired with a Mentor Teacher to support retention, enhance teaching practices, and improve student learning.

National Board Certification

We support teachers in their professional development and accomplishments. The Department hosts annual informational meetings and a 6-week Pre-Candidacy course for those interested in National Board Certification. We also offer monthly cohort meetings where teachers can collaborate, work one-on-one with a Candidate Support Provider, or engage in focused work time. We celebrate each teacher who earns their certification at our annual Celebration of Accomplished Teaching.

Education Services

• Professional Development
• Professional Learning Communities (PLC)
• Curriculum
• Balsz Ongoing Induction Program
• Mentoring and Peer Support Program
• Teacher Evaluation
• Reading and Math Intervention
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Universal Screeners and Diagnostic Assessments
• National Board Certification