Curriculum is a term often used to identify the knowledge and skills students are expected to learn in a class or grade level.  Curriculum is also a term to describe the materials used in a course, for example the textbooks, trade books, printed materials, artifacts, etc...  The teaching strategies, instructional activities and assignments are also a part of the educational process.  In a broad way, curriculum also includes the assessments used to evaluate progression for learning the identified processes and knowledge of the course. 

Academic Standards are established for both content and processes.  Quite simply put, this is what we want students to know and be able to do.  The standards are organized into subject areas (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, the Fine Arts, Physical Education, etc...) and then layered into courses and grade levels (ex/ biology history, geometry).  The District's academic standards are aligned to the grade level and course content developed through the Michigan Department of Education.  

Instructional Materials are reviewed and selected through a process established by the District and coordinated by the Council for Instructional Leadership.  The CIL is comprised of teachers across the K-12 grade levels, school principals and district administrators.  Most of the materials used during classroom instruction are determined through this process.  Teachers continuously identify and review additional materials for supplemental use.  Building Principles provide support and review of these resources at the school and classroom level.  Having the flexibility to utilize additional materials helps teachers enhance the learning experiences for students.   Please refer to the dedicated page on instructional materials for more detailed information. 

Assessment is an important component of the learning process and serves more than one function.  The most common use of assessment is to determine the current status of the student's progression of learning.  Accurate assessment can identify what a student knows is able to do at that point in time.  Often times, this is represented by a grade, a percentage of accuracy, or a performance rubric.  Another important use of assessment is to help students enhance their learning.  Assessment feedback from a teacher provides the student with clarity on how to move forward, thus enhancing the learning process.  Please refer to the dedicated page on assessment for more detailed information.