Overview
The Curriculum and Instruction Division is responsible for supporting district educators in meeting the academic needs of all students. The Division supports schools in both what to teach and how to teach: by providing a rigorous, standards-based curricula in all content areas and by offering ongoing professional development for teachers and administrators on critical instructional strategies that will help them address the needs of their diverse learners. The Curriculum and Instruction Team consists of the following departments/programs:
- Elementary School Instructional Support
- Middle School Instructional Support
- High School Instructional Support
- Instructional Materials
- Off-Campus Integrated Learning Experiences (OCILE)
- Physical Education, Health and Athletics
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Instructional Media Center - Library Services
- High Expectations for All
The results we get are often directly linked to the expectations we hold. The district supports practices that foster a culture of high expectations, such as: inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms and the expectation that all students take college prep course-work. - Standards-Based Curriculum and Instruction
Ensuring access for all students to engaging, rigorous, standards-based curricula in all areas is essential if we are to see significant gains in student achievement. With support, principals and teachers will be able to continue strengthening the curriculum while improving their repertoire of instructional strategies, allowing them to meet the needs of all students. - Purposeful, Timely Use of Data
The timely use of data to inform instruction is critical to meet the needs of all students. Our district's comprehensive assessment system is designed to allow educators to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses in order to plan appropriate instruction. - Strategic Support
Successful school districts provide additional support to the students and schools that need it most. In San Diego, principals and teachers receive additional guidance on how to work with English language learners as well as guidance on how to intervene when students are having difficulty with reading and math. - On-Going Professional Learning
The district is dedicated to providing professional development that is relevant and integrated into teachers' daily work. Teachers must have time to work collaboratively on the identification and implementation of practices that support student needs.
Interdivisional Curriculum Committee (ICC)
Interdivisional Curriculum Committee (ICC) is the
group that reviews and recommends new courses, deletion of courses, and changes to approved courses
to the Board of Education. It ensures that all courses are rigorous and provide students multiple
pathways to graduation, college and career.
Learn more.
Standards Based Report Cards (SBRC)
The San Diego Unified School District is now using a Standards-Based Report Card (SBRC) at the elementary level.
Learn more.
- Administrative Circular 43: Support for At-Risk Students at the Elementary Level (Learning Contracts)
; For Principals, Vice Principals, and Teachers of Elementary Students; Division and Department Heads; School Improvement Officers.
Attachments 4 & 6 in additional languages:
- Administrative Circular 42: Support for At-Risk Students at the Secondary Level (Learning Contracts)
; For Principals, Vice Principals, Teachers, and Counselors of Secondary Students; Division and Department Heads; School Improvement Officers.
Attachments 4 & 6 in additional languages:
Contact Information
San Diego Unified School District
Curriculum and Instruction Division
4100 Normal St., Room 2008
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 725-7224 - Phone
(619) 725-7707 - Fax

