Instructional Expectations in Garfield County School District

Teachers in Garfield County School District are expected to demonstrate deep knowledge of their state standards, prepare lessons and resources that align with those standards, and design clear learning targets and success criteria. Teachers are responsible for assessing student learning, monitoring progress, and ensuring that all students move toward grade-level proficiency in each content area.

Educators are expected to engage in a collaborative culture where both peer and administrator observations are welcomed as opportunities for growth. Constructive feedback is an essential part of our professional practice and continuous improvement.

The district and schools will provide a reasonable level of support to facilitate effective instruction. This may include access to textbooks, content-specific programs, learning materials, and instructional tools aligned with the standards. While principals may assess the fidelity of schoolwide programs, individual teachers retain autonomy in deciding whether and how to implement these programs—unless placed on a specific improvement plan.

Ultimately, all teachers are accountable for student learning and for meeting the outcomes established by the Utah State Standards.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BXOwQhVDE0tgqj7FkqvTHcrWudTAkJcLnQzTFN9Qc8A/edit?usp=sharing

• Each LEA & school must maintain a comprehensive plan covering natural disasters, fire, intruders, violence, utilities, lockdowns, evacuations, etc.

• Plans must be reviewed every 3 years (or sooner if there are changes to staff, facilities, laws, etc.) ccsdut.org+15schools.utah.gov+15schools.utah.gov+15.

• LEAs must certify annually (by July?1) that school-level drills, staff/student/parent reviews, and coordination with first responders occurred

• Safe Route to School 
• Anti Harassment / Descrimination
• Digital citizenship / Includes the district policy

1. Administrative Rule R277-606 (Effective March 10, 2025) schools.utah.gov+8schools.utah.gov+8schools.utah.gov+8

• LEAs must maintain documentation and submit a Dropout Prevention and Recovery Plan annually by October?30.

• This plan must describe policies for measuring student progress and tracking enrollment ("membership days"), and outline how the plan aligns with UTREx specifications.

• For each designated student, the LEA (or contracted provider) must create a written learning plan that establishes attainment goals and defines progress measures.

• If contracted, the third-party provider must report student progress and maintain documentation.

• Special education students must have dropout services integrated into their IEP or Section 504 plan.

• LEAs must retain documentation and be prepared for state audits.

2. Utah Code §?53G-9-802 juabsd.org+2schools.utah.gov+2schools.utah.gov+2

• LEAs must provide ongoing dropout prevention and recovery services year-round, for each designated student.

• Create a learning plan that addresses:

  • Barriers to attendance/achievement,

  • Goal attainment,

  • Strategies for attainment through flexible programming.

• Monitor progress toward goals and deliver tiered interventions.

• Offer multiple enrollment options—traditional, nontraditional, online, or other LEA/private programs.

• If LEA’s graduation rate:

  • Is below state average, and

  • Has not improved by ≥1% over 3 years, or ≥10% of designated students aren't making progress,

  • Then the LEA must contract with a third-party provider (unless exempt).

• The LEA must submit annual reports on number of designated students, services, third-party involvement, and student progress (by October?30).