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Curriculum and Instruction

Curriculum and Instruction seeks to research, develop, and implement curriculum that will increase student achievement both within and outside of our schools. Curriculum and Instruction focuses on how students learn and the best ways to educate. In the Perris Union High School District, our focus is to engage students in the learning process while developing a growth mindset through collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking.

Staff

Shannyn Cahoon

Dr. Shannyn Cahoon
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
shannyn.cahoon@puhsd.org

Mark Synnott

Mark Synnott
Coordinator of Educational Services
mark.synnott@puhsd.org

Beth Heyden

Beth Heyden
Secretary I - Curriculum & Instruction
beth.heyden@puhsd.org
(951) 943-6369, Ext. 81114

Secondary Academic Coaches

Julie Harris
ELA Academic Coach
julie.harris@puhsd.org
(951) 943-6369, Ext. 81129

Matthew Thomas
ELD Academic Coach
matthew.thomas@puhsd.org
(951) 943-6369, Ext. 81128

College and Career A-G Counselor

Betty Tran
ASPIRE A-G Counselor
betty.tran@puhsd.org
(951) 943-6369, Ext. 81126

Common Core State Standards:

The Common Core is a set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA). These learning goals outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. The standards were created to ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and life, regardless of where they live. Forty-two states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) have voluntarily adopted and are moving forward with the Common Core.

corestandards.org

Next Generation Science Standards:

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are K–12 science content standards. Standards set the expectations for what students should know and be able to do. The NGSS were developed by states to improve science education for all students.
A goal for developing the NGSS was to create a set of research-based, up-to-date K–12 science standards. These standards give local educators the flexibility to design classroom learning experiences that stimulate students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and citizenship.

nextgenscience.org

Alternative Credits

PUHSD only accepts 40 outside credits, 10 credits per year. Current high school students may take courses to recover credits. In addition, current high school students may accelerate in the areas of visual and performing arts, the second year of physical education, and electives. Incoming 9th-grade students may take a visual performing arts course that is UC-approved to accelerate. Please see the PUHSD Approved Institutions List for institutions approved for acceleration or remediation (note that this list is subject to change). Students must be simultaneously enrolled in classes at PUHSD schools while attending an off campus class. Students may not do part-time schedules at PUHSD schools and part-time at off campus locations. Seniors must be enrolled in a minimum of five classes at their PUHSD school site. All other students must be enrolled in all 7 classes at their PUHSD school site. Please note that the off campus course requested as a graduation requirement for PUHSD may not be accepted by the UC/CSU system, private colleges, universities, out-of-state institutions, or NCAA as fulfilling entrance requirements. Be sure to check with an admissions officer from each campus to which you intend to apply.

Links

For questions regarding Perris Union High School District curriculum, you can contact the Secretary for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction:
Beth Heyden
(951) 943-6369 Ext. 81114
beth.heyden@puhsd.org 
or, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction:
Dr. Shannyn Cahoon
(951) 943-6369 Ext. 81115
shannyn.cahoon@puhsd.org 

You can also access our District Course Catalog