The Hilton Central School District’s Instructional Framework was developed to provide all staff with a means by which a range of instructional decisions are designed, planned and implemented so that learning experiences occur for all students. At the core is “quality learning for all” which indicates Hilton’s emphasis on ensuring that all students are provided high quality learning experiences.

Around the outside of the framework is the growth mindset, which reflects the belief that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, and that intelligence and talents are simply a starting point. A growth mindset is the underlying condition one needs in order to be able to realize the maximum potential of every learner. Teachers and other staff members work to instill this belief in students. They consider this belief when planning instruction and assessment, as well as providing feedback to students.

The Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning are also critical to setting a foundation for all learners. The Learner Profile references the attributes we seek to instill in our students. Students who are inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective will be responsible and productive members of our local, national and global communities. Approaches to Learning must also be considered, as they are the distinct communication, thinking, self-management and research skills that have relevance across the curriculum. The infusion of the Approaches to Learning in the educational experiences of our students promotes life-long learning.

A growth mindset, the Learner Profile and the Approaches to Learning transcend all subjects, grades, ages and abilities. This Framework suggests that these must be taught and developed for optimal learning, and such decisions become part of the written and taught curriculum.

Near the core of the Instructional Framework is a concept-based curriculum.  It is through curriculum that we make decisions that are discipline-specific, while at the same time remembering that the nature of a concept-based curriculum demands one to seek those relevant and globally significant “big ideas” in order to help students organize and make sense of their learning. The content and skills are used as the vehicle through which concepts are learned.

Instruction is driven by high quality assessments. These assessments, as well as a variety of data, will assist us in making informed data driven decisions. We understand that data driven decisions are a critical component of any informed decision-making process.  It is through this process that we know when to differentiate for students so that they can acquire, extend, refine and use knowledge meaningfully.

The Hilton Central School District’s Instructional Framework is used as a lens by which we are able to make decisions to ensure quality learning for all students.

For more information, please contact Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Kristen Paolini at (585) 392-1000, ext. 6062.