Teaching and Learning Services (TLS) staff works closely with teachers and principals to offer a rich and engaging curriculum for all students, pre-K to grade 12. It provides technology leadership and support for district staff and students and coordinates staff development as well as ther the Kimm Teaching Resource Studio.

Teaching & Learning Services

• Ongoing development, revision and implementation of the district’s curricular program of studies
• Development and assessment of content standards and benchmarks for each curricular area
• Coordination of the staff development program
• Development of the Annual Progress Report of student achievement
• Development of the annual No Child Left Behind report to the state and community
• Coordination of the Special Education, English as a Second Language, Head Start, Extended Learning (gifted program) and home-school services
• Management of the Kimm Teaching Resource Studio

Iowa Core Curriculum
The purpose of the official Iowa Core Curriculum site is to help Iowa parents and all citizens learn more about the state-wide academic expectations for kindergarten through 12th-grade students.

The website offers a look at the skills and concepts all Iowa students must know under the Iowa Core Curriculum, signed into law by Governor Culver in 2008. This includes concepts and skills in literacy, math, science, social studies, and 21st century learning skills (civic literacy, financial literacy, technology literacy, health literacy, and employability skills). Parents will be able to do customized searches by academic area or by grades.

Superintendents, principals, and other education leaders in Iowa are currently receiving training on how to implement the Iowa Core Curriculum, which must be fully put into practice in high schools by 2012-2013 and in kindergarten through eighth grades by 2014-2015. Iowa’s area education agencies and the Iowa Department of Education have collaborated to provide this training. This cooperation will continue as districts begin to provide professional development directly to teachers on the Iowa Core Curriculum and supportive teaching strategies.

>> Visit the Iowa Core Curriculum website

>> Background information on the Iowa Core Curriculum

Contact Information
Learning Resource Center
3550 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Fax (515) 633-5103

Associate Superintendent
Dr. Donna Wilkin
(515) 633-5057

Directors of Curriculum/Instruction
Dave Blum
(515) 633-5056

Dr. Phyllis Staplin
(515) 633-5055


Director of Technology
Brian Abeling
(515) 633-5058

Director of Curriculum/Technology
Dr. Gordon K. Dahlby 
(515) 633-5059

Director of Special Education
Angie Calhoun 
(515) 633-5072