*SS = Social Studies; WL = World Languages; PE = Physical Education; SEL = Social Emotional Learning; ELA = English Language Arts

When reviewing instructional resources or supplemental materials, the following are considered. Leaders may develop additional criteria for specific disciplines when needed.

Learn more about the Instructional Materials Committee >>

• Alignment to Washington State or National standards
• Follows a defensible sequence of concepts providing counter narratives as appropriate
• Achieves an accessible & appropriate interest level for as many students as possible
• Evidence of effectiveness is based on relevant, high-quality research, where available
• Engaging and current
• Encourages critical thinking
• Appropriate for the cultural and moral standards of the community

The Instructional Materials Department establishes the priorities and selects resources and supplemental materials with the help of the committee and others as appropriate.

Science - STEMScopes

Kindergarten students focus on developmentally appropriate science exploration through Questioning/Wondering, Observation, and Sketching Observations (with labels if possible) to start the year and experience a common field experience to launch their scientific work in the fall. While working within Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), these beginning science and engineering practices are where kindergarten scientists spend most of their time investigating topics of Weather and Climate (Earth and Space), Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants, and their Environment (Life Science), and Forces and Interactions: Pushes and Pulls (Physical Science).

Kindergarten students begin STEMscopes lessons (called scopes) after their fall science launch of Science and Engineering Practices in NGSS to focus on Physical Science, Life Science and Earth & Space Science. Classes have opportunities to go more deeply in science through authentic questions and interest shared by students in a bank of scopes available to all teachers and students. This is all reinforced with a locally relevant, standards-aligned STEM Field Study and the STEM in Action kits, Push, Pull, Go! and Sunny Sandybox. More info on STEMScopes >>

Math - Stepping Stones

The elementary school mathematics curriculum is called Origo Stepping Stones, A web-based core curriculum that has been designed to replicate the content and the intent of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Teachers follow the scope and sequence of the program in order to build understanding from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Stepping Stones emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and application of mathematical skills.

English Language Arts - Reach for Reading

The elementary ELA curriculum is called Reach for Reading. The program includes 8 units centered around a "Big Question" related to that particular unit. The fiction and non-fiction texts that are included in each unit help build to an answer to that unit's "Big Question". Students engage in critical thinking when determining how to best answer the "Big Question".

Social Studies

K-5 Reading in Social Studies is integrated into the K-5 Reading Standards. See the current state Social Studies Learning Standards >> 

Social Emotional Learning

In K-5 classrooms, there is daily Social Emotional Learning time that consists of both structured lessons from our chosen SEL curriculum, Second Step, and group activities that foster community and build strong relationships. See info on Second Step >>

Science - STEMScopes

First grade students also have a common fall field experience as part of their core science program, and jump into STEMscopes learning right away to prepare for that outdoor learning experience as well as build skills to use afterward in the classroom.

First grade classes are also focused on Science and Engineering Practices. Investigations in first grade include exploring Space Systems: Patterns & Cycles (Earth and Space Science), Properties of Sound and Light Waves (Physical Science) and Animal Body Structures, Functions, and Information Processing (Life Science). First grade STEMscopes has more scopes for students to experience as part of core science instruction, and inquiry and engineering design tasks deepen their rigor through projects and units. The first grade science curriculum is reinforced with a locally relevant, standards-aligned STEM Field Study and the STEM in Action kit Wild Feet.  More info on STEMScopes >>

Math - Stepping Stones

The elementary school mathematics curriculum is called Origo Stepping Stones, A web-based core curriculum that has been designed to replicate the content and the intent of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Teachers follow the scope and sequence of the program in order to build understanding from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Stepping Stones emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and application of mathematical skills.

English Language Arts - Reach for Reading

The elementary ELA curriculum is called Reach for Reading. The program includes 8 units centered around a "Big Question" related to that particular unit. The fiction and non-fiction texts that are included in each unit help build to an answer to that unit's "Big Question". Students engage in critical thinking when determining how to best answer the "Big Question".

Social Studies

K-5 Reading in Social Studies is integrated into the K-5 Reading Standards. OSPI Social Studies Learning Standards >> 

Social Emotional Learning

In K-5 classrooms, there is daily Social Emotional Learning time that consists of both structured lessons from our chosen SEL curriculum, Second Step, and group activities that foster community and build strong relationships. See info on Second Step >>

Science - STEMScopes

Second grade classes work more deeply within the Next Generation Science Standards to learn about Structures and Properties of Matter, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, and Processes that Shape the Earth while balancing all the Science and Engineering Practices. Collaborating with teammates on projects is also stressed, not only in preparation for third grade, but also because it's a real life skill that scientists and engineers must have!

The second grade science curriculum is reinforced with a locally relevant, standards-aligned STEM Field Study and the STEM in Action kits Helicopter Hang Time and Muddy Mats. More info on STEMScopes >>

Math - Stepping Stones

The elementary school mathematics curriculum is called Origo Stepping Stones, A web-based core curriculum that has been designed to replicate the content and the intent of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Teachers follow the scope and sequence of the program in order to build understanding from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Stepping Stones emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and application of mathematical skills.

English Language Arts - Reach for Reading

The elementary ELA curriculum is called Reach for Reading. The program includes 8 units centered around a "Big Question" related to that particular unit. The fiction and non-fiction texts that are included in each unit help build to an answer to that unit's "Big Question". Students engage in critical thinking when determining how to best answer the "Big Question".

Social Studies

K-5 Reading in Social Studies is integrated into the K-5 Reading Standards. OSPI Social Studies Learning Standards >> 

Social Emotional Learning

In K-5 classrooms, there is daily Social Emotional Learning time that consists of both structured lessons from our chosen SEL curriculum, Second Step, and group activities that foster community and build strong relationships. See info on Second Step >>

Science - Building Blocks of Science

The Building Blocks of Science curriculum is reinforced with a locally relevant, standards-aligned STEM Field Study. Three study areas will be focused on in third grade where students will use Science and Engineering Practices to plan, conduct investigations, make observations and measurements, and analyze and interpret data. The study areas are Forces & Interactions; Weather & Climate Patterns; and Life in Ecosystems. More about Building Blocks of Science >>

Math - Stepping Stones

The elementary school mathematics curriculum is called Origo Stepping Stones, A web-based core curriculum that has been designed to replicate the content and the intent of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Teachers follow the scope and sequence of the program in order to build understanding from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Stepping Stones emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and application of mathematical skills.

English Language Arts - Reach for Reading

The elementary ELA curriculum is called Reach for Reading. The program includes 8 units centered around a "Big Question" related to that particular unit. The fiction and non-fiction texts that are included in each unit help build to an answer to that unit's "Big Question". Students engage in critical thinking when determining how to best answer the "Big Question".

Social Studies

K-5 Reading in Social Studies is integrated into the K-5 Reading Standards. OSPI Social Studies Learning Standards >> 

Social Emotional Learning

In K-5 classrooms, there is daily Social Emotional Learning time that consists of both structured lessons from our chosen SEL curriculum, Second Step, and group activities that foster community and build strong relationships. See info on Second Step >>

Science - Building Blocks of Science

The Building Blocks of Science curriculum is reinforced with a locally relevant, standards-aligned STEM Field Study. Three study areas will be focused on in fourth grade, where students will use Science and Engineering Practices to plan, conduct investigations, make observations and measurements, and analyze and interpret data. The study areas are Plant & Animal Structures; Energy Works; and Changing Earth. More about Building Blocks of Science >>

Math - Stepping Stones

The elementary school mathematics curriculum is called Origo Stepping Stones, A web-based core curriculum that has been designed to replicate the content and the intent of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Teachers follow the scope and sequence of the program in order to build understanding from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Stepping Stones emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and application of mathematical skills.

English Language Arts - Reach for Reading

The elementary ELA curriculum is called Reach for Reading. The program includes 8 units centered around a "Big Question" related to that particular unit. The fiction and non-fiction texts that are included in each unit help build to an answer to that unit's "Big Question". Students engage in critical thinking when determining how to best answer the "Big Question".

Social Studies

K-5 Reading in Social Studies is integrated into the K-5 Reading Standards. OSPI Social Studies Learning Standards >> 

Social Emotional Learning

In K-5 classrooms, there is daily Social Emotional Learning time that consists of both structured lessons from our chosen SEL curriculum, Second Step, and group activities that foster community and build strong relationships. See info on Second Step >>

Science - Building Blocks of Science

The Building Blocks of Science curriculum is reinforced with a locally relevant, standards-aligned STEM Field Study. Three study areas will be focused on in fifth grade, where students will use Science and Engineering Practices to plan, conduct investigations, make observations and measurements, and analyze and interpret data. The study areas are Structures & Properties of Matter; Earth & Space Systems; and Matter & Energy in Ecosystems. More about Building Blocks of Science >>

Math - Stepping Stones

The elementary school mathematics curriculum is called Origo Stepping Stones, A web-based core curriculum that has been designed to replicate the content and the intent of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Teachers follow the scope and sequence of the program in order to build understanding from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Stepping Stones emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and application of mathematical skills.

English Language Arts - Reach for Reading

The elementary ELA curriculum is called Reach for Reading. The program includes 8 units centered around a "Big Question" related to that particular unit. The fiction and non-fiction texts that are included in each unit help build to an answer to that unit's "Big Question". Students engage in critical thinking when determining how to best answer the "Big Question".

Social Studies

K-5 Reading in Social Studies is integrated into the K-5 Reading Standards. OSPI Social Studies Learning Standards >> 

Social Emotional Learning

In K-5 classrooms, there is daily Social Emotional Learning time that consists of both structured lessons from our chosen SEL curriculum, Second Step, and group activities that foster community and build strong relationships. See info on Second Step >>

Science

In 6th Grade, Earth Science units of study include: The Earth & Solar System; Earth Systems Interactions (Weather & Climate, Natural Resources & Human Impacts); and Earth History & Geology.

In 7th and 8th grade, teachers utilize a two-year rotating curriculum that integrates life & physical science focused on local and place-based driving questions. Year A: Matter & Energy - How can changes in Puget Sound ecosystems affect interacting relationships among organisms? How can we design creative solutions to sustain our changing community? Year B: Structure & Function - How do organisms survive and adapt to the Puget Sound ecosystem? How can we design creative solutions to ensure the survival of Puget Sound organisms?

Math

Students in the core grade level middle school math pathway will learn the Common Core Math Standards. Some may also qualify for Advanced or Accelerated Math in 6th or 7th grade, which will put them on the advanced math pathway to Algebra in 8th grade (advanced) or Geometry in 8th grade (Accelerated). See more details on the Middle School math pathways >>

English Language Arts - StudySync

The middle school ELA curriculum is Studysync. It includes four units united by a single theme and an essential question. Multi-faceted exploration allows for the development of deep content knowledge and provides students the opportunity to apply learning across a wide range of texts. They also build specific vocabulary and engage in writing activities across the curriculum. More info on StudySync >>

Social Studies

Social Studies' curriculum aligns with the Common Core State Standards. OSPI Social Studies Learning Standards >> 

Social Emotional Learning

Middle schools utilize CharacterStrong curriculum with Second Step for Bullying Prevention as part of their advisory time. See info on the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit >> See info on CharacterStrong >>

Science

NTPS High School science programs vary from school to school. Graduation requirements include 2.0 credits in laboratory science. General study areas and pathways align with state standards and cover: STEM Physics; Biology & Environmental Science; and Chemistry & Environmental Chemistry.

Most students take additional course work in science. Each comprehensive high school has a selection of elective science courses. Please refer to the high school's course catalog for a complete listing.

Math

High School students are best prepared for college and/or careers by completing the Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 pathway. Advanced coursework, including pre-Calculus, Advanced Placement, etc., are options depending on the High School (see course catalog). 

English Language Arts - My Perspectives

My Perspectives is a student-centered program where they engage in analyzing text, citing evidence, and responding critically about their learning. The curriculum includes 6 units that include selections of different genres (including multimedia) all related to a relevant and meaningful Essential Question. As they read, students engage in activities that inspire thoughtful discussion and debate, allowing them to formulate and defend their own perspective.

Social Studies

Social Studies' curriculum aligns with the Common Core State Standards. OSPI Social Studies Learning Standards >> 

Social Emotional Learning

High schools utilize CharacterStrong curriculum as part of the advisory time that includes High School & Beyond plans and other important work. See info on CharacterStrong >>