OUR FIVE PILLARS

Our five pillars support our instructional vision and serve as a guide for every student to be college and career ready when they complete high school. For each pillar, we have articulated professional outcomes that guide what we will accomplish to ensure students and staff are engaged, prepared, and inspired!

College And Career Placement

Implement career pathways and prepare students for career and college placement opportunities.

Outcomes

• Build an Innovative Project Based Career Academy (TCALC).

• Offer two years of college courses in high school.

• Implement career placement and internship programs.

Highly Effective Staff

Recruit, attract, develop and retain highly effective staff to carry out the district’s mission.

Outcomes

• Implement innovative recruitment techniques (virtual hiring fairs)

• Implement a Teacher Academy training institute.

• Integrate teaching and learning and professional development programs in human resources.

• Implement a tuition-based preschool service for teachers’ children.

District Finance

Ensure efficient operations and accountability for responsible use of district resources.

Outcomes

• Facilities plan: Construct a staff development center, an early childhood center and a career academy as services for students and families across the community.

• Balanced budget: Maintain a balanced budget and secure corporate sponsors and grants.

School Climate And Equity

Create a safe and caring learning environment that includes a positive, inclusive school culture and positive collaboration and communication throughout the school and community

Outcomes

• Student well-being: Implement school-based clinics for dental and health services for students.

• Reduce poverty in Topeka by expanding supports for job placement, mental health and homelessness.

• Implement a Parent Empowerment center to increase parent engagement.Expand equity training for students, parents and staff (includes tiered interventions, trauma training and diversity and inclusion training).

• Expand equity training for students, parents and staff (includes tiered interventions, trauma training and diversity and inclusion training)

• Expand student services support systems and implement an alternative school that serves general education students.

Student Learning

All students will demonstrate academic growth and will have equitable access to academic opportunities.

Outcomes

• State-level assessments: Meet or exceed state benchmark standards.

• Subgroup achievement: Implement systems for data utilization, interventions and data driven instruction.

• ACT composite scores: Implement ACT tutoring and testing during the school day to expand participation

• Kindergarten Readiness: We continue to expand opportunities for early childhood.

Shaner provides an exciting educational opportunity for three and four-yearolds to prepare them for kindergarten. Shaner is a full day tuition-based preschool taught by certified teachers. Our curriculum focuses on the Kansas Early Learning Standards, but we are believers that students learn through structured play. This means learning emerges from exploration and interests of the children. Children construct knowledge from their interactions with the environment and opportunities around them. We also provide the following opportunities:

We provide the following opportunities:

• Teacher-directed activities

• Dramatic play, using puppets, the kitchen center and acting out simple stories

• Music: singing, dancing and rhythms

• Gross and fine motor play

• Art activities: cutting, pasting, painting and drawing

• Activities supporting social and emotional growth

Classrooms at Shaner:

• All classrooms have a certified teacher and a paraeducator

• Rigorous curriculum that is aligned with Topeka Public Schools

• Individualized instruction focusing on student needs

• Emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math through the use of technology, robotics, experiments and hands-on activities

• Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided to all students

Quick Facts About Shaner:

• State-of-the-art playground specifically designed for 3 to 5-year-olds

• Indoor playground facility for inclement weather days

• Two viewable classrooms for parents

• Parents as Teachers Blue Ribbon Model Affiliate

• Tuition spots are available to anyone in Shawnee County

Shaner Early Learning Academy is offering a 16% discounted tuition for all Topeka Public Schools employees who enroll their child at Shaner.