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Teaching, Learning & Innovation

 

Griswold Public Schools has reimagined the curriculum department to become the Department of Teaching, Learning & Innovation. The new department is designed to better serve teachers and students in the age of technology. 

Curriculum Philosophy

The department is incorporating technology for more engaged learning, for revisions to the curriculum, for reviewing data for targeted instruction, and for integrating social and emotional learning into the curriculum for all students.

District Goals

Our work is anchored by four crucial goals that drive improvement across the district:

  1. Elevating student success and growth to navigate the future.
  2. Centering student interests to foster well-being and individual pursuits.
  3. Teaching that strengthens engagement and connections for every student.
  4. Optimizing resources and partnering with the Griswold community for student success.

These four goals expand the original Griswold Forward goals of Social and Emotional Learning, Blended and Personalized Learning, and Research-Based Instruction, to focus on innovation in academics, social and emotional learning, teaching and learning, and resources, infrastructure, and community. 

With each goal, we aim to support connected beliefs:

  1. I can grow and achieve.
  2. I matter and belong.
  3. I engage and connect.
  4. I value my community.

These four interconnected goals sharpen our focus on delivering excellence in an ever-changing world. Underpinning each goal are supporting steps to strengthen our foundational work, leverage best practices, and seize opportunities to create and innovate.

Learn more on the Griswold Forward: Mission, Vision, and Goals webpage.

 

Standardized Testing

All GPS students take part in standardized testing consisting of Connecticut, National, and District. These tests include:

  • Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) for grades 3-8
  • AimswebPlus testing monitors progress in reading and math; this assessment is typically administered 3 times per year for grades K-9, with additional progress monitoring for selected students
  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for grades 5, 8, and 11
  • English Language Proficiency (EL-LAS Links) for English Language Learners in grades PreK-12
  • Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment for grades 4, 6, 8, and high school
  • PSAT/SAT for grades 9-12 (SAT required for grade 11)
  • ACT admissions test (optional for grades 11 and 12)
  • Seal of Biliteracy Test for Spanish Speaking Certification (optional for bilingual speakers in grades 11 and 12)
  • AP Testing for Advanced Placement high school students
  • Midterm and Final Exams

Additional assessments at teacher discretion.

Learn more about Standardized Testing performance on the District's Data Matters webpage.

 

TLI Team

Glenn LaBossiere, Assistant Superintendent / TLI Director
GLaBossiere@griswoldpublicschools.org

Jessica Gillespie, Director of Instructional Improvement - Innovation
JGillespie@griswoldpublicschools.org

Patricia Feeney, Director of Instructional Improvement - Learner Diversity
PFeeney@griswoldpublicschools.org

Jaselyn Caviness, Extended Learning Program Director (Wolverines Forward)
860-772-6934
JCaviness@griswoldpublicschools.org

Kayla Hedman, Marketing & Communications Director
KHedman@griswoldpublicschools.org

Lisa Sawyer, Data Analyst
LSawyer@griswoldpublicschools.org

Assistant Superintendent

Glenn LaBossiere

GLaBossiere@griswoldpublicschools.org

Also serves as the Director of Teaching, Learning & Innovation Department