Desert Sands's Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Desert Sands Unified School District is committed to providing a sound and challenging education for every student. Along with building a strong foundation of fundamental skills, students have the opportunity to explore and expand their lives through a variety of experiences. The office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment provides the guiding force for this District goal. Through this office, elementary and secondary courses of study are correlated to State frameworks and standards, with utilization of State-approved instructional materials. They are recommended to the Desert Sands' Board of Education for adoption through Curriculum Council, Department Chairs, and Math and Language Arts Task Force meetings.

Subject areas:

  • Language Arts & Reading
  • Mathematics
  • History/Social Science
  • Science

Additional instructional support is also offered in the areas of:

  • World Language
  • Technical Education
  • Physical Education
  • Technology
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Health

Assessment of students' progress is done in many ways. Through Educational Services Elementary and Middle School Language Arts, Mathematics, and History/Social Studies assessments are developed; grading procedures/Report Cards designed; and, teacher workshops, trainings and support programs coordinated.

Supplementary programs for students with additional educational needs are also offered:

  • Head Start
  • State Preschool
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
  • Academic Intervention Programs
  • Elementary, Middle and High School Summer School Programs

Co-curricular academic activities enhance the base curriculum. These include:

  • History Day
  • District/County Spelling Bee
  • Elementary and Rotary Math Field Days
  • Math Counts
  • District/County/State Science Fairs
  • Chamber Opera Society presentations
  • La Quinta Arts Foundation Docent Program
  • Music Teachers of the Desert (private music study program)
  • DEC Artwork Displays
  • Evening of Excellence
  • Designated Grant/Donor Awards
  • High School Summer School Graduation
  • Peter Solomon Scholastic Competition
  • Jason Project
  • GEMS (Girls Excelling in Mathematics with Success)
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