MISSION

The mission of the ISD Middle School department is to provide an educational, bilingual environment in which students feel safe, secure and unlimited in pursuing learning experiences to their maximum potential. ISD is committed to providing students with the encouragement and educational opportunities necessary to prepare them to become productive members of society. It is the ISD's goal is to assure that all students receive a well-rounded education that emphasizes high academic and social standards, promote healthy lifestyles, cultivate critical thinking and problem solving skills, develop technological literacy, provide for postsecondary and/or career preparation, and instill a desire for life-long learning.

 

VISION

ISD Middle School department is fully committed to providing each student with a well-rounded educational program in a bilingual environment leading to high school which will foster independence and social responsibility in the 21st century.

 

CURRICULUM

The Middle School offer curricula under the Indiana Department of Education Proficiency Standards with emphasis on linguistic and cognitive skills with real-world applications.

The Middle School comprises the sixth through the eighth grades. The curricula encompasses Language Arts (English & Reading), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ASL and Deaf Studies, Physical Education and Health, as well as quarterly class rotations. It utilizes technology, especially computers, as productivity tools. 

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In compliance with Indiana Senate Bill 442, Indiana School for the Deaf partners with LifeSmart Youth to provide medically accurate and age-appropriate lessons on sexual health education. Parents and guardians are provided full transparency regarding this instruction. All curriculum descriptions, surveys, and required videos are available for review via the link below. Parents and guardians may also access opt-out forms and information about their rights to review instructional materials before student participation. Click here to learn more.

 

TYPE OF ASSESSMENTS

Indiana Alternate Measure (IAM) 

The Indiana Alternate Measure (IAM) is a state assessment used to measure student learning in English/Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, and Social Studies. It is given to students in grades 3–8 and high school (grade 10 for ELA and Math). Science is assessed in grades 4, 6, and high school Biology, and Social Studies is assessed in grade 5. IAM is designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities who need an alternative to traditional statewide testing. It is based on Indiana’s alternate academic standards (called Content Connectors) and provides a more appropriate way to measure student progress and growth.

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Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD-3)

IREAD-3 is a state assessment that measures foundational reading skills, including phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, based on Indiana Academic Standards. Students begin taking IREAD-3 assessment in grade 2 and continue each year until they pass, till grade 6. The goal of IREAD-3 is to ensure students are able to read proficiently by the end of third grade. Students who do not pass may receive additional reading support and will have opportunities to retake the assessment. In some cases, students who do not pass by the end of grade 3 may be required to repeat the grade, based on state guidelines. 

 

World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)

WIDA is an English language proficiency assessment put in place to meet Indiana’s standards for college and career-readiness. This assessment measures English language skills.

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NWEA- Measure of Progress (MAP)

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) are for students in grades K-12. These assessments have been designed to measure academic growth, establish curriculum, predict proficiency on tests, etc.

 

Indiana’s Learning Evaluation and Assessment Readiness Network (ILEARN) 

ILEARN is an assessment system that measures achievement and growth related to Indiana Academic Standards for students in grades three through eight, high school biology, and high school U.S. Government.  The assessment system includes:

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• A through year assessment for grades 3-8 mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA) with 3 Checkpoints and one end-of-year summative assessment.

• An end-of-year summative assessment for grades 4 and 6 science, grade 5 social studies, high school Biology, and high school U.S. Government.

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Data from the ILEARN Checkpoints informs instruction and interventions on the Indiana Academic Standards, supporting student learning throughout the course of the school year. Data from ILEARN end-of-year (summative) assessments is used to check students’ mastery of the standards at the end of the year, to evaluate program efficacy, and for school accountability.

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GRADING SCALE

All students will be marked according to their achievement within the level in which they are working. In general, courses will be graded four times a year. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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