Curriculum & Instruction

The Curriculum & Instruction Department at Rhodes School for the Performing Arts ensures that our students are being taught the same skills as their public-school peers. The department provides identifiable measurable results based on objectives to help determine student progress and academic achievement; keeps our students competitive when compared to others across the state; and ensures that our students can be successful in any educational setting, public or private.

Progress Learning

Did you know your child uses the valuable online tool, Progress Learning, at school? It’s a fun & easy-to-use platform designed and tailored to your scholar’s INDIVIDUAL academic success.

Getting Back to the Basics

 

We are CREW…Not Passengers! At RSPA, parents, students, teachers, and administrators are active participants in the learning process. We work together as a team to accomplish the goal of producing outstanding student achievement. No one gets to go along for the ride! We are CREW!

2025 STAAR Assessment Results Now Available

 

Visit TexasAssessment.gov to learn more about your child’s STAAR performance and how you can provide additional support at home.

RSPA presented STAAR 2025 Growth Award

Congratulations to RSPA’s Curriculum & Instruction Department on the recognition of our STAAR 2025 growth, presented by Lumos Learning. Let’s celebrate the significant growth in Reading and Mathematics for students in grades 4 through 8!

Our Curriculum

Experience High-Quality Texas Math for Grades K-5

SBOE Approved | TEKS & ELPS Aligned | Knowledge Building

RSPA’s new math curriculum for scholars in grades Kindergarten-5th is here! Bluebonnet Learning are state-developed instructional materials that provide teachers with the tools to foster student success. Developed using the latest cognitive science, Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials cover 100% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and provide a full suite of resources including scope and sequence, daily lesson plans, and student materials. All Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials are designed to be high-quality, suitable, and grade-level appropriate.

To learn more, check out the Bluebonnet & Open Education Resources below under C&I Resources.

A Fresh Take on Math for Grades 6-8

RSPA’s 6th-8th grade scholars are discovering the wonder of mathematics in our everyday world with STEMscopes Math. Our educators create a meaningful learning experience that empowers our students with 21st-century skills to succeed in future STEM careers.

Next-Gen STEM for Next-Gen Science Standards in Grades K-8

STEMscopes provide a carefully curated, rigorous curriculum that both challenges and sparks the curiosity of students across the country.

Research studies show that using STEMscopes results in a higher number of students who meet or exceed science proficiency benchmarks on state assessments.

 Our science curriculum is just the beginning.

PreK Curriculum

Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) is a leader in the development of research-based tools to improve early education quality for early care and education programs in Texas.

Social Studies Curriculum for K-8th & ELA for K-5

More inclusive, accessible, and relevant learning

We combine scientifically based research with personalized learning experiences to make our English language arts curriculum more effective, inclusive, and rewarding. Improve reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills, as well as 21st century skills.

 

ELA Curriculum for Grades 6th-8th

Windows & Mirrors are diverse curriculum materials that act as mirrors, allowing students to see themselves reflected in stories and materials, fostering a sense of belonging and validation, and as windows, providing insight into the lives and experiences of others, thereby promoting empathy, understanding, and a connection to the wider world.

Through Mirrors, we aim to provide students with texts that reflect their own identities, cultures, and experiences.

Through Windows, we aim to offer students glimpses into the lives, cultures, and perspectives of people different from themselves.

Ms. Quince is being recognized for her effective use of small groups during ALT, as well as her well-structured and highly engaging review stations. Her stations thoughtfully incorporate a teacher-led table, technology integration, independent practice, and fluency, ensuring that all scholars receive targeted support and meaningful practice.

Way to go, Ms. Quince!

Ms. Sparks has done a great job implementing instructional feedback with intention and urgency. She has thoughtfully incorporated sentence stems into her lessons to strengthen student discourse and build academic language.

In addition, she has increased her use of small-group instruction to provide targeted support based on student needs. Her inclusion of purposeful turn-and-talk opportunities has elevated student engagement and ensured that all scholars have a voice in the learning process.

It is evident that Ms. Sparks is not only receptive to feedback but committed to translating it into meaningful action that positively impacts student achievement.  

Way to go, Ms. Sparks!

Ms. Causey delivered an exceptional lesson on plate tectonics, demonstrating highly engaging and rigorous instruction. She skillfully integrated academic vocabulary throughout the lesson, ensuring students not only understood key concepts but were able to articulate their thinking using precise scientific language.

Her intentionally probing questions challenged students to think deeply, justify their responses, and build upon one another’s ideas, fostering meaningful academic discourse. Students were actively engaged, demonstrating curiosity and confidence as they explored complex concepts.

Ms. Causey’s thoughtful questioning and commitment to academic rigor created a dynamic learning environment that promoted critical thinking and deep understanding.

Great job, Ms. Causey, on a job well done!

The English Language Arts and Social Studies Department is proud to recognize Miss Brittany Smith for her outstanding work in bringing social studies to life.

During their study of the Boston Tea Party, Miss Smith and her students exceeded expectations by writing original scripts and producing their own reenactment of this pivotal historical event. Students fully immersed themselves in the experience by dressing in period-appropriate clothing, creating a memorable and meaningful learning opportunity.

This engaging lesson was an exceptional example of integrating STEAM and the arts to promote deep historical understanding.

 

Congratulations to Miss Smith on a job exceptionally well done!

State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness 2025 (STAAR)

Testing Dates

District-Based Assessment #3 Testing Dates

  • March 3rd – Reading Kinder-2nd Grade
  • March 17th – Science Kinder
  • March 18th – Social Studies Kinder-2nd Grade
  • March 18th – Science 1st & 2nd Grade
  • March 24th – Math Kinder-2nd Grade
  • Make-Ups: Immediately after

STAAR MOCK Testing Dates

  • March 3rd – MOCK STAAR Reading 3rd-8th Grade
  • March 17th – MOCK STAAR Science 5th & 8th Grade
  • March 18th – MOCK STAAR Social Studies 8th Grade
  • March 24th – MOCK STAAR Math 3rd-8th Grade
  • Make-Ups: Immediately after

STAAR Testing

  • April 14th – STAAR Reading 3rd-8th grade | Make-Ups TBA
  • April 15th – STAAR Social Studies 8th grade | Make-Ups TBA
  • April 21st – STAAR Social Studies 8th grade | Make-Ups TBA
  • April 22nd – STAAR Math 3rd-8th grade | Make-Ups TBA

    District STEAM Day 2026

    MISSION STEAMPossible CONTINUES!

    RSPA’s District STEAM Day was on Friday, January 30th!

    All PreK-8th grade scholars enjoyed interactive STEAM Experiences from Audio Engineering, Robotics, Art, GATE & NSBE Jr. stations. Plus, the Port City Chapter of The Links, Inc. and TechFest Live returned with an extra special treat, along with Mommy & Me, 21st Century’s Pearls of Elegance, STEMPIRE, and San Jacinto College!

    This year’s Special Guest Speaker was Dr. Montrey Pertile with SC4M Education, LLC.

    Thank you for an exciting MISSION STEAMPossible STEAM DAY 2026!

    2025 STEAM Day Guest Speaker

    Montrey J. Pertile, Ph.D, SC4M Education Co-Founder

    Montrey J. Pertile, Ph.D., is a professional researcher and 12-year educator whose work centers on equity
    in STEM education for Black youth. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Pertile co-founded SC4M Education, an organization grounded in the pillars of STEM, Community, Awareness, and Maker.

    As a published scholar and frequent conference presenter, he is dedicated to advancing research and practice that transform STEM learning ecosystems through community engagement, creativity, and equity. Dr. Pertile holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from Prairie View A&M University, as well as a Master of Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, where he specialized in Learning Design and Technology. Read full bio here.

    Science Fair 2025

    Congratulations!

    Science Fair Winners

    2nd-3rd Grade

    1st Place: Dissolving the Rainbow by Khari Williams, 3rd grade

    2nd Place: Do All Objects Hit the Ground at the Same Time by Journei Boutte, 3rd grade

    3rd Place: Who’s Worth Popping? by Omari Williams, 2nd grade

    4th-5th Grade

    1st Place:  What’s Poppin’? by Brielle Adams, 5th grade

    2nd Place:  Wing It by Lawrence Jackson, 5th grade

    3rd Place: Ice Ice Baby by Dior Josey, 4th Grade

    6th-8th Grade

    1st Place: From Dirty to Clean by Nyah Hayes, 8th grade

    2nd Place: Decaying Apples by He’Nai Moore, 7th grade

    3rd Place: Solar Ovens by Chandler Bonton, 6th grade

    Thank You!

    A special thanks go to our esteemed judges and speakers for their hard work and dedication as they diligently combed through every project to select our very best! Also, thank you to all of our teachers and staff who aided our scholars’ efforts!

    2025 Science Fair Judges

    Karen Carter, MSRRT, Master of Science, Respiratory Care, Texas State University

     Nazim Ansari, BS, Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University

    Addie Smith, MS, Biomedical Diagnostics, Arizona State University

    Robbyn Pope, B.S., Master of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

    2025 Science Fair Guest Speaker

    Khalil Vinson, Tech Fest Live Founder & CEO

    Khalil Vinson is the Founder & CEO of Tech Fest Live, Houston’s largest youth tech expo dedicated to bridging classrooms to careers. Through large-scale STEM experiences, strategic partnerships with schools, corporations, and civic leaders, Khalil has connected over 5,000 students to hands-on technology and workforce opportunities. A passionate advocate for education equity and innovation, he leverages creativity, community, and cross-sector collaboration to inspire the next generation of leaders and ensure access to future-ready skills for all youth. Learn more about Tech Fest Live by visiting techfestlive.com.

    C&I Resources

    Enhance Your Student's Learning, at HOME!

    Did you know your child uses the valuable online tool, Progress Learning, at school? It’s a fun & easy-to-use platform designed and tailored to your scholar’s academic success.

    RSPA encourages all parents to log in from home and collaborate with their scholar on the platform for a minimum of 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times each week.

    Studies show that proper and consistent use of Progress Learning will enhance student learning. This platform is directly tied to our NWEA data and supports each scholar’s INDIVIDUAL success!

    Curriculum & Instruction Department

    Administration Building – Room 213
    13334 Wallisville Road
    Houston, TX 77049
    281-458-4334 ext. 115

    Monet Calhoun, Director of Curriculum & Instruction

    Lakesha Winslow,
    Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instruction

    ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
    13334 Wallisville Rd.
    Houston, TX 77049
    (281) 458-4334
    information@rhodesschool.org

    CAMPUS LOCATION
    13334 Wallisville Rd.
    Houston, TX 77049
    (281) 459-9797

    Chrishelle Palay, President
    Kenitra Bennett-Edwards, M. Ed., Member
    Michelle Harris, M. Ed, Member
    Sloane Hughlett, Member
    Derrick Sherrard, Member

    CONNECT WITH RSPA!