Skip To Main Content

Curriculum & Content Standards

Our District adheres rigidly to the state standards and trains our teachers to diligently educate the children using the proficiency of standards in every child as our goal. Content standards were designed to encourage the highest achievement of every student, by defining the knowledge, concepts, and skills that students should acquire at each grade level.   

Content Standards: California State Board of Education website

English Language Development Standards: California State Board of Education website

 At San Pasqual Union, we are deeply committed to academic excellence, student growth, and character development. Through strong instruction, collaborative learning, and data-informed decision-making, we aim to ensure every student is challenged, supported, and prepared for future success.

Grounded in our SAINTS core values, we create classrooms where students learn to take responsibility for their learning, show respect for others, and persevere through challenges. 
Our Instructional Approach
Instruction at SPU is built on four core pillars:
1️⃣ Standards-Aligned, High-Quality Curriculum
All instruction is aligned to California State Standards and designed to promote depth of understanding, critical thinking, and academic discourse.
2️⃣ Science of Reading (TK–5)
Our literacy instruction is rooted in the Science of Reading, ensuring students develop strong foundational skills.
This includes:
  • Explicit phonemic awareness and phonics instruction (TK–2)
  • Structured literacy practices
  • Fluency and comprehension development
  • A strong emphasis on morphology (grades 3–5), helping students understand prefixes, suffixes, and word roots to build vocabulary and comprehension
We have already seen significant growth as a result of this intentional focus.
3️⃣ Data-Driven Instruction 
We utilize i-Ready Diagnostic assessments in Reading and Math to:
  • Identify students’ current skill levels
  • Set measurable growth goals
  • Inform small-group instruction
  • Monitor progress over time
Students engage in i-Ready My Path personalized learning, with the goal of:
  • 45 minutes in Reading
  • 45 minutes in Math
  • 70% accuracy
Research shows that focused, intentional practice yields the strongest growth.

4️⃣ Kagan Cooperative Learning

At SPU, collaboration is intentional.
Teachers use Kagan Cooperative Learning structures to promote:
  • Academic language development
  • Equal student participation
  • Increased engagement
  • Structured peer discussion
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Classroom connections
These strategies help students build confidence, practice respectful dialogue, and deepen understanding through interaction.
Curriculum Overview
English Language Arts
Students develop:
  • Foundational reading skills
  • Academic vocabulary
  • Writing across genres
  • Text analysis and evidence-based responses
  • Structured academic discussion
  • District Adopted Curriculum: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) 
 
Mathematics
Instruction emphasizes:
  • Conceptual understanding
  • Procedural fluency
  • Problem-solving
  • Mathematical discourse
  • Real-world application
  • District Adopted Curriculum: Curriculum Associates- iReady
Students are encouraged to explain reasoning and justify solutions.

 

Science & Social Studies

Students engage in:
 
Intervention & Support
We are committed to ensuring every student grows.
Through our MTSS framework, students receive:
  • Targeted small-group support
  • English Learner supports
  • Enrichment opportunities
Progress is reviewed regularly to adjust instruction based on need.
 
Assessment & Growth Mindset
We believe assessment is a tool for growth — not simply measurement.
Students work with teachers to:
  • Set academic goals
  • Reflect on progress
  • Monitor growth through diagnostics
  • Engage in performance tasks
We celebrate growth just as much as achievement.
 
The SAINTS Difference
Academics and character are inseparable at SPU.
Students are expected to:
  • Show respect in academic discourse
  • Take responsibility for their learning
  • Demonstrate integrity in their work
  • Support peers in collaborative structures
  • Persevere through challenges
Our classrooms are structured, supportive, and focused on both excellence and belonging.
 
Family Partnership
Families play a vital role in student success. You can support learning by:
  • Encouraging daily reading
  • Supporting math fact fluency
  • Monitoring i-Ready progress
  • Maintaining strong attendance
  • Reinforcing respectful digital communication
  • Communicating regularly with teachers
If you would like to learn more about our curriculum, instructional practices, or student progress, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office.
Together, we are building strong academics and strong character — the SAINTS way.