Kindergarten-2nd

Being a Reader and Being a Writer from the Center for Collaborative Classroom are the core ELA materials for K-2 students. Being a Reader has both whole-class and small-group instruction to support students in learning to read and develop a love of reading.  The program includes elements of Structured Literacy.  Structured Literacy utilizes systematic, explicit instruction to teach decoding skills, including phonology, sound-symbol association, syllable instruction, morphology, syntax, and semantics (International Dyslexia Association, 2015).  Foundational skills instruction and rich literacy experiences are integrated with explicit social skills instruction and activities that foster students’ growth as responsible, caring, and collaborative people. Being a Writer is a proven, research-based writing curriculum that combines a writing process approach with guided instruction and social skills instruction.

Collaborative Literacy

3-5 English Language Arts

The curriculum features award-winning books written by contemporary and established authors. The texts and tasks included in Wit & Wisdom present opportunities for students to practice and master the skills the standards require. Instead of addressing standards one by one, in isolation, the tasks and activities associated with each Wit & Wisdom text integrate multiple components from each state’s standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language. Various standards are integrated throughout each module. The materials and instructional methods provide students with opportunities to learn essential literacy skills, knowledge across different fields, and the important values of empathy and perseverance. 

Wit and Wisdom

Illustrative Math is fully aligned to the focus, rigor, and coherence of the standards. The scope and sequence of units, activities, and representations are designed to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, build fluency with procedures, and solve mathematical problems. Math vocabulary is developed through the process of actively exploring and learning mathematics. Students make sense of mathematical concepts using informal language before academic terms are introduced. 

Illustrative Mathematics 

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) guide our science instruction. Students are engaged in inquiry-based learning centered around place-based, often local phenomena. The curricula are a mixture of Ambitious Science (an NGSS-aligned program run by the University of Washington), Mystery Science (a video-based platform to which the district subscribes), FOSS science, and other resources.

OSPI Social Studies Learning Standards guide our social studies instruction.

Students participate in art, music, STEM, and physical education once each week. We also have librarians at each elementary school.

Teachers use a variety of informal and formal assessments in the classroom to guide instruction and check student progress. In addition, students are screened three times each year with Fastbridge reading and math assessments to identify students' academic needs. Kindergarten students are also assessed in the fall using the Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Skills (WaKIDS) to help bring families, teachers, and early learning providers together to support each kindergarten student's learning and transition into public schools. Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) for English language arts (ELA) and math are given in grades 3–8 and 10 and are required for federal and state accountability. 

Your child’s teacher will report their progress to you twice a year. You will also have the opportunity to conference with your child’s teacher twice each year.