Problem Solving: This is fundamental to all curriculum areas.  Students construct knowledge of the world as they recognize problems, formulate solutions and arrive at conclusions.

Communication: This is central to learning to express ideas and understand the ideas of others.  Clear communication also involves use of standard grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization.

Collaboration:  Collaboration is an important process in a democratic society.  Learning is often a social process that requires students to value and work with others.

Seeking Connections:  Knowledge does not exist in isolation.  Students learn that the content areas are connected, thus the use of integrated units throughout the grade levels.  Such learning is essential to forming a comprehensive understanding of the world in which we live.

Technology:  This allows students to reach beyond the walls of the classroom to obtain information on a wide variety of topics.  Technology permits students to be active researchers and communicators in the quest for knowledge. All schools have internet access.

During the next three years an emphasis of our staff development will be Engaged Learning.  This method has students engaged in active learning when they read, write, listen, speak and view in a variety of settings to gather information and develop concepts important to everyday life.  These concepts, together with basic facts, form the foundation of all learning.

Our instructional program includes:
   * A full time curriculum coordinator.
   * A full service kindergarten program that focuses on developmentally appropriate practices..
   * Full time, certified professionals specializing in coordinating the gifted/challenge, At Risk,
      Title I, technological and drug education programs.
   * Instruction for students in physical education, art, music, health, library, and technology.
   * Foreign language exploration in Spanish for grades 7 and 8.
   * On-going curriculum mapping .
   * Introduction to Engaged Learning Practices for all Staff.
   * Implementation of the State Approved Technology Plan.
   * Special Education Programs provided at all buildings in the district.
 
ITBS/ISAT Test Results
Students in the Minooka CCSD #201 score well on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the Illinois State Assessment Tests.   Minooka CCSD #201 has more high achieving students and fewer low achieving students than do most other schools in the nation.