Sulphur Springs Union School District Curriculum Guides

The following Curriculum Guides for 2020-2021 are a resource for teachers to guide teaching and learning.  The curriculum guides draw upon the research of Professional Learning Communities in implementing rigorous curriculum design by focusing on grade-level essential learnings (Ainsworth, 2013).  Additionally, the curriculum guides incorporate information from the published report “Addressing Unfinished Learning After Covid-19 School Closures,” published by the Council of Great City Schools in June 2020.  Specifically, the Curriculum Guides focus on Principles 1-3, grade-level content and rigor, depth of instruction, and prioritizing content and learning.   The Curriculum Guides are made up of four parts, all with the purpose of fostering intentional teaching practices. 

The Curriculum Guides highlight the Priority Standards and Supporting Standards covered during each trimester, as well as where they can be found in the District’s state adopted curriculum.  With the focus being on mastery of Priority Standards, teachers should still use their professional discretion on how best to meet students’ learning needs.

The Grade-Level Standards show the Priority Standards, Supporting Standards and Worth Being Familiar With Standards across grade-levels, in order for teachers to see the alignment across grade-levels.

The Grade-Level Standards Alignment document maps out the alignment of Standards across all grade-levels.  This helps with understanding the trajectory of learning for students one grade-level below or above that current grade.

Explanation of Terms:

Priority Standards - These are standards that we expect students to master by the end of the grade-level.  When making instructional decisions, these standards should be a priority.  These standards spiral throughout the year and are assessed in District Benchmarks.  

Supporting Standards - These standards serve as a means to support, enhance or scaffold learning.  Students will need skills from these standards to master the Priority Standards. 

Standards Worth Being Familiar With- Students should be exposed to these standards; however, students are not expected to master these standards.  Instructional time on these standards should be minimal.