Curriculum & Assessment Overview
At Altura Elementary School, we are committed to providing high-quality, rigorous, and inclusive instruction for every student, every day. Our instructional materials are carefully selected to align with state standards, elevate student thinking, and support diverse learners through research-based practices. Below is a summary of the core curricular and assessment tools we use across grade levels and content areas.
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Curriculum: Second Step & Zones of Regulation with a schoolwide scope and sequence
Assessment: APS Pulse Check (Grades 3–5, three times per year)
Second Step provides age-appropriate, engaging lessons to build self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The program helps create a safe, supportive learning environment and fosters strong classroom communities.
English Language Development (ELD)
Curriculum: Heggerty Phonemic Awareness and ELAchieve Systematic ELD
Assessment: ACCESS for ELLs and ELAchieve Unit Assessments
Our ELD curriculum supports multilingual learners in acquiring academic English through explicit instruction in language forms and functions. Heggerty strengthens foundational oral language skills essential for reading, while ELAchieve provides structured, scaffolded lessons to help students thrive in core content.
Foundational Literacy Skills (Grades K–3)
Curriculum: 95% Core Phonics Program
Assessment: DIBELS 8th Edition (Read Act), 95% Core Unit Assessments
This structured literacy program provides systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency. Grounded in the Science of Reading, 95% Core supports early reading acquisition and identifies gaps with precision so interventions can be provided early.
Reading (Grades preschool–5)
Curriculum: McGraw-Hill Wonders
Assessment: K–3: DIBELS 8, 4–5: iReady Reading, Unit Assessments
Wonders is a comprehensive ELA program that develops vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency through diverse texts, targeted instruction, and collaborative learning routines. The curriculum supports differentiation and student engagement across all literacy levels.
Writing Pilot (Grades 4–5)
Curriculum: Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) and Wonders Writing
Assessment: Wonders Writing Unit Assessments
SRSD is an evidence-based approach that empowers students with writing strategies, self-monitoring techniques, and confidence. Combined with Wonders writing units, students develop strong narrative, informational, and opinion writing skills.
Math (Grades preschool–5)
Curriculum: Bridges in Mathematics, 3rd Edition
Assessment: iReady Math (three times/year), Bridges Unit Assessments
Bridges blends direct instruction, structured inquiry, and real-world problem-solving to help students develop conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. It encourages mathematical discourse and collaborative learning.
Science & Social Studies
Curriculum: APS Open Source Resources, Engineering is Elementary (EiE)
Assessment: APS-Created Assessments
Science and Social Studies are taught through thematic units, hands-on exploration, and inquiry-based projects. APS materials are adapted to reflect our students’ identities and communities while developing critical thinking and global awareness.