The Teaching and Learning Department is dedicated to the learning and growth of each student and educator in the Hermiston School District. We strive for high levels of learning for ALL students.
The primary responsibilities of this department include curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning.
T&L also provides teacher and administrative mentoring with additional instructional or leadership coaching. We work to support schools as they strive to engage every student in meaningful learning through high-quality, accessible instruction, and relevant content within effective learning environments.
Meeting the learning needs of a diverse group of students requires a variety of programs, tools, and instructional approaches. Hermiston School District has a number of programs and systems in place to support the learning needs of individual students.
Title I, Part A: The purpose is to "provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close education achievement gaps." Funding supports:
English Learners Program (EL): Assists English learners to develop English language proficiency and meet challenging grade-level academic standards necessary for career readiness and strong contributions to our community. This program is K-12 and each building hosts its own program.
The Oregon English Language Learner Report is an annual publication required by law (ORS 327.016), which reports on financial information for English language learner programs, the objectives and needs of students eligible for and enrolled in an English language learner program, as well as provides information on the demographics of students in English language learner programs in each school district. In addition, this report provides a tool that makes data on English language learners accessible to researchers, media, students, and parents.
Newcomer Program: Are designed for recent immigrants who have little or no English proficiency, and limited or no formal education in their native countries. This program has been developed to meet newcomers' needs before they enter into general education classrooms
Talented and Gifted Program (TAG): Identifies and serves the unique needs of talented and gifted students.
Assessment: Hermiston School District utilizes a balanced system of assessment that includes a continuum of tools and strategies that measure student learning. Assessment occurs at multiple levels and serve a variety of purposes.
Parents have the option to “opt out” their student from any of these required state assessments by completing the appropriate forms below. The forms can be emailed to assessment@hermistonsd.org or printed and returned to the district office in care of assessment. HSD encourages parents to have a conversation with the classroom teacher or building administrator prior to opting your student out, to learn about the accommodations and/or more details about how the tests are administered.
Special Education Services (SPED): Provides services along a continuum designed to meet the individual needs of each and every student with special needs. Can also include 504 plans for qualifying students. For further information, visit the Special Programs Department web page.
Multi-Tiered Instructional Supports: A multi-tiered system of supports designed to help each student reach grade level academic skills. K-12
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program: Support for homeless children and youth. This program is served through the Student Services Department.
Social Emotional Support: Provide assistance to all students in the areas of academic achievement, career and social/emotional development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. Each elementary school is assigned one school counselor with additional support at the middle school and high school level. Hermiston School District also partners with Umatilla County Health to provide additional SEL interventions through R.I.S.E. This assistance is provided through the Student Services Department by school counselors.