Elementary Instruction

Salem-Keizer Schools has 42 K-5 elementary schools, and 2 charter schools. These schools serve approximately 17,000 students.

Reading lays the groundwork for every subject a child will study in school. Salem-Keizer is committed to ensuring that every student is able to read at grade level by third grade. Giving young readers the best start possible will provide a strong foundation for their entire educational careers. Literacy instruction is a critical part of every elementary student’s growth. For this reason, principals and teachers structure the school day so that literacy instruction is not interrupted.

The elementary school core curriculum focuses on the basics of reading, speaking, listening, language, writing, English language development, math, science, social studies, and health. Our elementary schools also provide instruction in socio-emotional learning, music and physical education. The scope and sequence for these content areas is based on the state standards.

• Literacy Standards
• Math Standards
• Science Standards
• Social Science Standards
• Health Standards
• English Language Development Standards
• CASEL Socio-emotional Learning Competencies

Salem-Keizer Schools use the following materials as the foundation for our core instruction.

The district’s elementary schools use the following materials:

• Language Arts: ReadyGen
• Math: ReadyMathematics
• Health: The Great Body Shop
• Science: Mystery Science
• SEL: Sanford Harmony, Second Steps, and Toolbox

ReadyGEN is an integrated and well-balanced approach to reading and writing instruction for Grades K-6 classrooms.

Our elementary schools offer the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to establish positive school cultures. This is a framework that schools can tailor to meet the needs of their communities to help create safe, positive and caring school cultures.

Families have program options for education within our district. Salem-Keizer Schools include several programs at the elementary level including:

• EDGE – Enhanced Digital and Guided Education
• Optimum Learning Environments (OLE) Charter School – Environment, Civics and Technology Domains (application and lottery system for enrollment)
• Grant Community School – Spanish Language Dual Immersion Program
• Harritt Elementary School – Spanish Language Dual Immersion Program
• Myers Elementary School – Spanish Language Dual Immersion Program
• Valley Inquiry Charter School – IB Primary Years Program (application and lottery system for enrollment)