Introducing the Explorers Program: A New Era of Learning at SVUSD
Equal Access. Certified Teachers. Enriched Learning Experiences.
Sierra Vista Unified School District (SVUSD) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Explorers Program, an exciting enhancement to elementary education set to begin in the 2025–2026 school year. This program will provide all elementary students with high-quality, consistent instruction in Art, Music, STEM, Physical Education, and Library Technology—all taught by certified teachers.
What is the Explorers Program?
The Explorers Program replaces the current “specials” model with a more structured and equitable approach that enhances student learning and complies with state and federal requirements. This change is driven by the district’s commitment to providing high-quality instruction and ensuring compliance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Under ESEA and its reauthorization as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), schools are required to provide instruction through highly qualified, certified teachers. The law defines the “teacher of record” as the appropriately certificated teacher contractually responsible for delivering instruction and maintaining academic records. Instructional paraprofessionals, while valued team members, do not meet this definition and cannot serve as the teacher of record for state accountability purposes.
This legal standard, coupled with Arizona’s specific certification requirements, prompted SVUSD to transition to certified teachers leading Art, Music, STEM, and Technology instruction. This change ensures that every SVUSD student receives instruction from an educator who meets state certification standards—a critical factor in securing state funding and upholding parental rights under ESEA, including the right to know their child’s teacher’s qualifications.
Why the Change Was Necessary
While our instructional paraprofessionals have done exceptional work under the guidance of credentialed teachers, our current specials model no longer fully meets compliance expectations or provides equitable access across all schools. Site-by-site variations led to inconsistent student experiences. Some campuses, for example, offered more access to Technology or PE than others, resulting in an imbalance across the district.
To address this, SVUSD is implementing a 6-day rotation schedule that ensures every student receives the same high-quality experiences in Art, Music, STEM, and PE—no matter where they go to school.
What Will the Explorers Schedule Look Like?
3 days of PE
3 days of STEM or Fine Arts (Art & Music)
Because the rotation is not tied to weekdays, no specials will be missed due to holidays or breaks. This model also creates equitable access for all students and provides teachers with consistent planning time to support instructional excellence.
Explorers Program Highlights
🎨 Art & Music – Students will explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, rhythm, melody, and basic instruments.
🔬 STEM & Library Technology – Engaging, hands-on activities in science, engineering, digital literacy, and reading.
🏃 Physical Education – Certified PE teachers will continue to promote fitness, teamwork, and wellness.
A Commitment to Student Growth
Instruction in the Explorers Program will be aligned with Arizona State Standards, with a focus on skill development rather than letter grades. Certified teachers will provide feedback and progress monitoring, helping students build key skills in creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
This transition is not about removing opportunities—it’s about enhancing them. Students will experience enriched daily learning in well-rounded subjects that reinforce core academics while encouraging personal growth.
Supporting Our Paraprofessionals
We want to be clear: this change is not a reflection of the value of our paraprofessionals. Their dedication and care for students have made a lasting impact. SVUSD has worked to place paraprofessionals in other available positions across the district, and many have chosen to remain. Additionally, the district is exploring pathways for paraprofessionals interested in earning teacher certification, supporting professional growth and continuity for our schools.
In Summary:
The Explorers Program marks a significant step forward in SVUSD’s commitment to equity, compliance, and educational excellence. By aligning with federal and state regulations and ensuring all students are taught by certified teachers, SVUSD is paving the way for a stronger, more consistent, and more enriching educational experience for every child.