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Twin Rivers Unified School District

Twin Rivers Unified School District

Curriculum and Instruction

teacher helping student with homework
teacher reading to two young students
students in classroom working
teacher teaching class
boy student smiling
Welcome to curriculum and Instruction

Welcome to curriculum and Instruction

School curriculum and instructional programs determines the content of what students learn and the methods that their educators use to teach, ranging from general educational requirements to specific programs for special education, English learners, and other specific types of students.

Mission

 
Ensure that ALL students are able to function within a culturally diverse society and the global arena by promoting high levels of student learning through the following practices:
  • developing a guaranteed and viable curriculum that is both challenging and engaging
  • increasing human capital through researched-based professional development
  • providing standards-based instructional materials

Vision

 
In order to facilitate rigorous, culturally inclusive, standards-based instruction to challenge ALL students academically, we provide high quality curriculum, professional development and instructional materials for teachers, staff and families.

Standards of Excellence

 
  • Students are ensured access to the same high quality curriculum and instruction district-wide.
  • All district personnel are provided with opportunities to participate in research-based professional development to improve knowledge and skills
  • Instructional materials are delivered within 24 hours of request
finger pointing at the words trusd staff
To access the Curriculum and Instruction webpage for staff:
  1. Click or tap on the TRUSD STAFF button to log into the TR Staff Room
  2. Click or tap on the “Academics” dropdown at the top
  3. Select Curriculum and Instruction
Resources & Links

Resources & Links

Course Options and Placement Policy for 7th Grade through 12th Grade Mathematics

Curriculum Framework Development & Adoption of K-8 Materials

  • TRUSD Schedule for Curriculum Framework Development and K-8 Instructional Materials-- under construction- coming soon!

High School Course Offerings

Instructional Materials Waiver

Smarter Balanced Assessment Information

K-2 Reading Screener

Reading Difficulties Screener

Background

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Twin Rivers Unified will begin screening students in kindergarten through second grade for signs of reading difficulties, including risk for dyslexia. This is part of a new state law (Senate Bill 114) that requires all school districts in California to use approved tools to help identify young students who may need extra support in learning to read.
 
The assessment window for the 25-26 school year will occur January 27, 2026- February 13, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the screener look like and what does it measure?
 
The reading screener is a short assessment that students complete with a school staff member. It includes simple tasks like identifying letters, sounds, or words and may involve reading out loud or answering questions about what they hear. The activities are age-appropriate and designed to feel like a regular part of their school day. The screening assessment is similar to other assessments that students are often administered.
 
The screener measures key early reading skills, such as how well students recognize letters and sounds, read words, and understand spoken or written language. These skills help teachers understand how your child is developing as a reader and whether they may need extra support.
 
Will the screener identify my child as needing special education services?
 
No. The screener is not used to diagnose learning disabilities or place students in special education. It helps identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties so they can receive early support. If a student continues to struggle over time, the school team will work with you to explore additional steps, which could include further assessments.
 
What happens if my child's primary language is a language other than English?
 
If your child’s primary language is Spanish and they do not have sufficient enough English, they may be assessed using a Spanish-language screener to help us understand their reading development in their home language. If your child speaks another language and they do not have sufficient enough English as determined by ELPAC results or the length of time they have attended school in English, an alternate process will be used to determine if there are possible reading difficulties. This process will include asking parents and/or guardians several questions in the form of a digital survey to see if there are any concerns in reading or language development. Follow-up questions may be asked if there are concerns.
 
Can I opt my child out of being screened for reading difficulties?
 
Yes. A parent or guardian of a pupil may opt out of the screening if they do so in writing. Provide your child’s name, your name, and the date of the request, in writing, and send to your school administrator.
 
A pupil may be exempted from being screened by the LEA if any of the following criteria are met:
  • The pupil has a current identification or diagnosis of a reading difficulty, reading disorder, or other disability.
  • The pupil is eligible for special education and related services pursuant to the IDEA or a plan pursuant to Section 504.
  • The pupil is in the process of being assessed for eligibility for special education and related services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or a plan pursuant to Section 504, and the pupil is being evaluated with diagnostic assessments that make the pupil’s assessment or evaluation using the screening instrument(s) redundant. EC 53008(i)
If this exemption applies, parents or guardians can provide prior written consent or your child’s case manager may reach out to receive prior written consent. Contact your child's case manager for more information.
 
Who will administer the screener?
 
The screener will be given by trained staff members, such as your child’s classroom teacher or other staff members at the school.
 
When and how will I receive the results for my child?
 
Families will receive a custom report within 45 days of the assessment after each screening period. During the 25-26 school year, the screener report will be sent home with your child’s trimester 2 report card.
 
What do I do with the results of the screener?
 
Your child’s report will include their results, what those results mean, and specific suggestions for how you can support reading at home. It will also explain what support your child will receive at school. The screener is not a grade—it’s a tool to guide support.
 
What will the teacher do to support my child?
 
Teachers will use the screener results to better understand your child’s reading needs. If your child shows signs of needing support, the teacher may provide small group instruction, extra practice with key reading skills, or other classroom-based interventions. The goal is to provide help early so your child can continue to grow as a reader.
 
Who do I contact with questions?
 
If you have questions about the screener or your child’s results, please contact your child’s teacher or school principal.

TK-6 Health Education

Department Contact Information Element
C&I Staff

C&I Staff

Executive Director of Learning Design and Professional Development
(916) 566-1600 ext. 34434
 
Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction
(916) 566-1600 ext. 34428
 
Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction
(916) 566-1600 ext. 34425
 
Katria Butler
Administrative Clerk Senior
(916) 566-1600 ext. 34466