Standards and Curriculum

English Language Arts (ELA)

• Standards: Hawaiʻi Common Core Standards

• Description: The ELA standards focus on developing students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They emphasize critical thinking, comprehension, and effective communication.

• More Information: Hawaiʻi Common Core Standards for ELA

Mathematics

• Standards: Hawaiʻi Common Core Standards

• Description: These standards aim to build a strong foundation in mathematical concepts, problem-solving, and reasoning skills, preparing students for real-world applications.

• More Information: Hawaiʻi Common Core Standards for Mathematics

Science

• Standards: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

• Description: The NGSS encourage students to think like scientists by engaging in inquiry-based learning and understanding core scientific concepts across disciplines.

• More Information: Next Generation Science Standards

Social Studies

• Standards: Hawaiʻi Core Standards for Social Studies (HCSSS)

• Description: These standards guide students in exploring history, geography, economics, and civics, fostering an understanding of cultural diversity and global interconnections.

• More Information: Hawaiʻi Core Standards for Social Studies

Computer Science

• Standards: Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) K-12 Computer Science Standards

• Description: The computer science standards introduce fundamental concepts such as algorithms, programming, and data analysis, promoting computational thinking from an early age.

• More Information: Computer Science for Hawai‘i

Fine Arts

• Standards: National Core Arts Standards

• Description: These standards encompass visual arts, music, dance, and theater, encouraging creativity, expression, and appreciation of the arts.

• More Information: National Core Arts Standards

Health Education

• Standards: National Health Education Standards (NHES)

• Description: Health education focuses on developing health literacy skills, including understanding health concepts, analyzing influences, accessing resources, and making informed decisions to promote overall well-being.

• More Information: Health Education Standards

Physical Education

• Standards: Hawaiʻi Content and Performance Standards III

• Description: Physical education emphasizes the development of motor skills, understanding movement concepts, promoting active lifestyles, and achieving physical fitness.

• More Information: Physical Education Standards

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

• Standards: Hawaiʻi Content and Performance Standards III

• Description: While CTE programs are more prominent at the secondary level, foundational concepts may be introduced in elementary grades to build awareness of various career pathways and technical skills.

• More Information: Career & Technical Education

Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Curriculum

• Overview: The Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum is a comprehensive English Language Arts program that builds strong readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers by combining foundational reading skills with rich, knowledge-building content. CKLA aligns with the Common Core State Standards and is designed to strengthen students’ background knowledge in history, science, literature, and the arts—helping them develop the vocabulary and comprehension skills needed for long-term academic success. The curriculum provides structured lessons, engaging read-alouds, and explicit instruction that supports all learners, including English Language Learners and students needing intervention.

• Key Features:

  • Content-Rich Units: Integrates topics in science, history, and culture to deepen comprehension and build background knowledge.

  • Foundational Reading Skills: Provides explicit instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension.

  • Strong Oral Language Focus: Emphasizes speaking, listening, and discussion through storytelling and interactive read-alouds.

  • Structured Writing Instruction: Helps students develop narrative, opinion, and informational writing across subjects.

  • Differentiated Supports: Offers built-in scaffolds and intervention resources for diverse learners, including English Language Learners.

  • Blended Resources: Includes both print and digital materials to support learning in school and at home.

  • Ongoing Assessments: Uses regular check-ins and performance tasks to monitor growth and guide instruction.

  • More Information: Caregiver Hub: Amplify CKLA

Mathematics: Illustrative Mathematics Curriculum

• Overview: Illustrative Mathematics (IM) is a problem-based core curriculum designed to foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through collaborative learning.

• Key Features:

  • Problem-Based Learning: Students explore mathematical concepts by solving real-world problems, promoting critical thinking and reasoning skills.

  • Coherent Progression: The curriculum is structured to build upon students’ prior knowledge, ensuring a logical and connected development of skills across grade levels.

  • Active Engagement: IM encourages students to discuss and justify their thinking, fostering a classroom environment rich in mathematical discourse.

  • More Information: Illustrative Mathematics K–5 Curriculum