Curriculum and Instruction

CURRICULUM

How does PUSD create curriculum?

PUSD holds fast to three pillars when establishing our curriculum and designing our instruction: balance, consistency, and differentiation.  This means that  students will  experience learning of concepts in a balanced program, with consistent expectations, and suited to their individual needs.  Additionally, we strive to build students’ enduring understanding of knowledge, creativity and critical thinking -- and the real-world application of classroom lessons.

What is the curriculum for my child? Can I access lesson plans?

Before we can answer that question, we need to give some education definitions.  

CIPD designs a scope and sequence for each grade level.  

What is a scope and sequence?

A  scope and sequence is a list of all the ideas, concepts and topics that will be covered at each grade level, or in the lesson plans assigned within a curriculum.  For instance, the scope and sequence for a course about geology would be a list of all of the geology concepts covered in the course.  The scope and sequence for a curriculum in high school writing would list all of the concepts taught in the writing course.  And the scope and sequence for a middle school math text would list everything covered in the math book.

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Common Core Standards

The national Common Core State Standards were adopted by California in 2010, and arrived in district classrooms for implementation in English Language Arts and Mathematics in 2014-15. The Next Generation Science Standards are now being implemented districtwide for the 2016-17 school year.

Access the CA standards for all core subjects, including language arts and mathematics, history, science, art and physical education.

The new CA Assessments of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) de-emphasize penciling in bubbles on multiple choice tests. Instead, essays and math word problems will assess knowledge, comprehension of academic subjects and problem-solving and writing skills.