Curricular Resources
Our teachers use the Indiana Academic State Standards and various curricular resources as a framework to develop their lessons. The thoughtful planning of our teachers in conjunction with our extensive resources, insures that we instructionally meet the needs of every student. 

Community-Based Learning
Deep learning is active and relational. HSE Schools is committed to providing students with a wealth of diverse and unique opportunities to enhance their educational experience through interaction with the broader community, both inside and outside traditional classroom environments. At Hamilton Southeastern Schools, community-based learning is integrated into the curriculum for all students PK-12. From the reinvention of elementary study trips to the inclusion of innovative course offerings and work-based learning at the secondary level, our students transport their learning from the classroom to the real world. 

 

 

Social Emotional Learning
SEL is the process through which children and adults acquire and apply skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.  Hamilton Southeastern Schools believes that these skills along with academic knowledge will prepare our students to succeed in life beyond their school years. Social and emotional skills are often referred to as one’s emotional intelligence or EQ.  According to CASEL there is growing research that suggests the IQ and EQ are connected and both critical in the development of the “whole child.” Research shows that students with strong SEL skills have increased academic performance and are less likely to engage in risk taking behaviors.

Equity and Inclusion
In Hamilton Southeastern Schools we define equity as the concept of giving each individual what is needed to succeed within our global society. Cultural studies demonstrate that students need to feel identity-safe within educational settings in order to experience success. Identity-safe spaces affirm the strengths of students and allow for them to be their authentic selves. Given that research, assessment data, and qualitative studies convey that identity-safety significantly influences teaching and learning, student diversity challenges us to explore ways to bridge cultural differences and devise responsive practices that affirm the identities of each learner. Each student deserves a school where educators teach inclusively and dismantle barriers that prohibit students from being their authentic selves.

 

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Screening Resources
Hamilton Southeastern Schools is fortunate to serve students and families in a high performing school district. There are many efforts that contribute to such accomplishments. One of these efforts is termed: Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS). Our MTSS model for students and families is a specific structure led by an MTSS Leadership Team at each school to help every child realize success.
 
Our K-12 model supports the developmental needs of young children, early adolescents, and students at the secondary level.  MTSS, formerly referred to as Response to Instruction (RTI) focuses on the success of the whole child, through the purposeful design of strong core instruction, and the need for targeted intervention to support academic growth, physical health, behavioral health, and social emotional well-being.
 

Meet our Teaching and Learning Team
Dr. Matt Kegley - Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
Danielle Thompson - Executive Director of Elementary Education
Michelle Brittain-Watts - Executive Director of Secondary Education
Amy Selby  - Director of Exceptional Learners
Brett Kraftson - Assistant Director of Exceptional Learners
Rachel Ross-Kroemer - Assistant Director of Exceptional Learners
Shelly Allman - Exceptional Learners Administrative Assistant
Laura Rinderknecht - Intervention Specialist
Jeff Harrison - Director of Educational Technology
Kelly Moore - Instructional Technology Coach
Brooke Lawson - Mental Health and School Counseling Coordinator
Dr. Nataki Pettigrew - Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
Sybil Urban- Curriculum Coordinator
Danielle Riego - ENL Coordinator
Erin Mohr - High Ability Coordinator
Kaaren Southerland - Data Systems Manager
Ann Gallaher - Data Systems & Analysis
Angie Clayton - Data Systems & Analysis
Laurie Elixman - Data Systems & Analysis
Brad Ferris - Academic Achievement & Analytics Officer