How is curriculum chosen in PSD?
- PSD engages in a rigorous curriculum adoption process to identify resources that are both grade-appropriate and culturally relevant. All selected materials are standards-aligned and evidence-based, with elementary resources specifically built upon the science of reading.
- The process starts with the Curriculum & Instruction Team collaborating with content area experts to draft a Request for Proposal (RFP). This RFP is a critical document that outlines the necessary scope of work and all the conditions a curricular resource must satisfy to align fully with the Colorado Academic Standards.
- Once this RFP is complete, it is posted publicly. Submissions that meet the minimum requirements then move on to a rigorous evaluation phase. These resources are reviewed using a rubric by a comprehensive, diverse committee. The committee includes educators, administrators, district department representatives, community members, and other vested partners. Their collective goal is to determine which resource is the absolute best fit for the needs of PSD students.
- After this extensive review, the committee identifies its top choice and formally presents a recommendation to the Board of Education.
- The process concludes when the Board of Education gives its final approval for the curricular adoption, officially making the new resource part of the district's instruction.
How is instruction personalized in a large school district like PSD?
- Starting at the elementary level, subjects are differentiated to meet and exceed standards while delivering the level of challenge that the individual student needs
- Starting at the middle school level, students can begin choosing elective courses that tailor their coursework to their interests
- From kindergarten onward, small-group work is utilized regularly to tailor instruction to differentiated needs
- PSD’s extensive Career & Technical Education pathways and concurrent enrollment options help secondary students to discover and prepare for the unique post-graduation paths that are right for them
- Students embark on their personalized educational journey by creating an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). This multi-year process guides students and their families through career, academic, and postsecondary exploration, tailoring their course selections to their unique goals.
- Students requiring additional challenge can be given an individualized Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) if identified through the Gifted & Talented program, and students requiring additional support or accommodations can be given an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 if identified through the Integrated Services department.
- Families have extensive school choice to find their child’s best fit
What do I do if I want my child to learn from a specific curriculum?
- All of PSD's neighborhood schools are dedicated to promoting academic excellence and offer a consistent, high-quality core education so that all students can achieve proficiency in literacy and mathematics. Furthermore, to foster well-rounded citizens, PSD schools offer a holistic education that includes essential electives such as art, music, and physical education. If your family is seeking specialized curricular models—such as Core Knowledge, International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual-language immersion, and other programs—the district also provides a school choice process. See the “Programs and Campus Options” section above for more information.