Teaching and learning is the heart of education, where learner and teacher come together to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes that shape individuals and entire communities. The resources listed here are intended to assist all those who teach or support learning. One of the best known services of Kent ISD is our extensive professional development. We also help school staff with specialized programs and services that would be difficult for an individual district to develop and maintain.

Scroll for an explanation of these programs and services.

Professional Development

The Professional Development Hub offers a centralized approach to what is probably our best-known service. Our offerings draw participants from around West Michigan, including teachers, counselors, media specialists, special education and many other school staff. Courses and workshops include a wide variety of topics.

Classroom Media, Resources & REMC8

The Regional Educational Media Center offers all types of media for the classroom, plus a die-cutting room for visual aids/bulletin boards, a courier service between districts, distance learning, cooperative purchasing and many other services for teachers.

MEAP & Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

The MEAP test is the only common statewide measure and an important part of school accountability. The tests cover five areas: mathematics, reading, science, social studies and writing, and combine with other measures to form AYP, a cornerstone of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. We help schools understand and then use their results to improve student achievement.

Data Warehouse

This powerful technology tool helps collect and report all kinds of school information, including instructional, financial and special education data, which our districts use to meet local needs.

Educators use this tool to study and compare student performance and plan additional action.

Literacy

Literacy is one of our major priorities, with the goal of focusing all our districts, educators and administrators on achieving literacy for all learners, from birth to kindergarten and into adulthood. Strategies include collaboration, professional development, assessment and data, and best practices.

Diversity

The goal for our Diversity initiative is to focus the ISD and all of our districts on diversity and healing racism to improve student achievement. Strategies include leadership/coordination for county-wide efforts, educational opportunities and communication.

Career Focused Education 

Choose from Career Planning tools & resources, including a calendar of student-focused career events, plus professional development training & workshops for staff. All resources are designed to help students with their Educational Development Planning Process.

Specialty Programs

From the exploring government Close Up program and Michigan Model Health programs, to Character Education, School Safety, and drug/alcohol/tobacco resistance programs, these offerings meet specific school and student needs.

Special Education Services

Our vision is to have students with disabilities integrated into all aspects of school life. We provide instructional, financial, legal, and technical support and training to assist schools in meeting the changing needs of exceptional children and students from birth to age 26.

Assistive Technology
We offer training and support for educators, including consulting to address a student's needs, a lending library of hardware, software and other tools, and a network of resources in all areas of Assistive Technology.

Early On
We help families who have a concern about their child’s growth and learning. Early On is for children under 36 months of age with a developmental delay or a medical condition that affects their development.

Transition Support
All students leave school to create their adult lives. “Transition” describes that critical transformation and includes the education, legal information, planning, and community connections our special education students need to achieve adult goals.

Contact Kent ISD staff in these areas: 616/364-1333
2011-12 Kent ISD Directory(PDF)