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Curriculum and Instruction
Curricula and instructional programs in Putnam County Schools are built upon the belief that all children can learn given the appropriate time and conditions. Furthermore, the school system believes that it is the responsibility of staff to modify the use of time and use the instructional strategies so that each child's unique talents and abilities are enhanced and each child is prepared in the basic literacy, numeracy and technological skills necessary for the twenty-first century. The school system believes that every child by grade 12 must meet rigorous academic standards and be focused toward further educational preparation and
specific career goals.
Core Content Curriculum
The West Virginia Board of Education has established high quality standards for all education programs. The WV content standards, objectives, and performance descriptors provide teachers with a tool for planning instruction. The grade level objectives and the performance descriptors acknowledge that students acquire skills and knowledge in increments and at different rates.
Content Standards are broad descriptions of what students should know and be able to do in a content area. Content standards describe what students' knowledge and skills should be at the end of a K-12 sequence of study.
Objectives are incremental steps toward accomplishment of content standards. Objectives are listed by grade level and are organized around the content standards. Objectives build across grade levels as students advance in their knowledge and skills.
Performance Descriptors describe in narrative format how students demonstrate achievement of the content standards. Performance Descriptors serve two functions. Instructionally, they give teachers more information about the level of knowledge and skills they are building in their students. They are also used to categorize and explain student performance on statewide assessment instruments. Five performance levels are used in West Virginia: distinguished, above mastery, mastery, partial mastery and novice. - Distinguished : A student at this level has demonstrated exceptional and exemplary performance. The work shows a distinctive and sophisticated application of knowledge and skills that go beyond course or grade level expectations.
- Above Mastery: A student at this level has demonstrated competent and proficient performance and exceeds the standard. The work shows a thorough and effective application of knowledge and skills.
- Mastery: A student at this level has demonstrated fundamental knowledge and skills that meet the standard. The work is accurate, complete and fulfills all requirements. The work shows solid academic performance at the course or grade level.
- Partial Mastery: A student at this level has partially demonstrated fundamental knowledge and skills toward meeting the standard. The work shows basic but inconsistent application of knowledge and skills characterized by errors and/or omissions. Performance needs further development.
- Novice: A student at this level has not demonstrated the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to meet the standard. Performance at this level is fragmented and/or incomplete and needs considerable development.
View WV Content Standards, Objectives, and Performance Descriptors School Counselors
School Counselors work collaboratively with other school and county staff to promote the intellectual, psychological, and social development of students. They conduct appropriate individual and group counseling, provide appropriate support to students and staff, and collaborate with parents to assist in obtaining support services from county-based and outside agencies. In addition, they coordinate efforts to remedy unsatisfactory student progress, and at the secondary level, monitor credits and transcripts and inform students of career and post-secondary programs.
Grading Scale Putnam's grading scale in grades one through twelve is as follows: A = 93 - 100%
B = 85 - 92%
C = 75 - 84%
D = 65 - 74%
F = 64% and below Grade Point Averages In grades nine through twelve (9 - 12), where credit toward graduation is awarded based upon completion of Carnegie units, grade point averages are calculated by dividing quality points by the number of units taken which carry credit. The quality point value of grades is as follows: A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points Progress reports and report card distribution dates Golden Horseshoe The Golden Horseshoe Test has been administered in West Virginia each year since 1931 and is the longest running program of its kind in any state. The top-scoring students in each county receive the prestigious award and are inducted as "knights" and "ladies" of the Golden Horseshoe Society.
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