Curriculum

A great school system begins with a clear and rigorous set of expectations, or standards, that educators help all students achieve. In Iowa, those academic standards are known as the Iowa Academic Standards. The Iowa Academic Standards describe what students should know and be able to do from kindergarten through 12th grade in literacy, math, science, and social studies. The Iowa Academic Standards also set learning goals for 21st Century Skills and Career and Technical Education. The Iowa Academic Standards are a set of common expectations for school districts across the state. It is not a curriculum, so decisions about how to help students meet learning goals remain in the hands of local schools and teachers. 

For more information about the Iowa Academic Standards, please visit the Iowa Academic Standards website.

High-Quality Instructional Materials

While the Iowa Academic Standards establish what students should know and be able to do, local school districts determine how those standards are taught and achieved. To ensure that all students have access to meaningful, evidence-based learning experiences aligned to the Iowa Academic Standards, the Independence Community School District uses High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) for instruction. 

High Quality Instructional Materials are evidence-based resources that are carefully reviewed and selected to support strong student outcomes. These materials provide teachers with structured, engaging lessons that meet students where they are and help every learner reach grade-level expectations.

To learn more about the specific instructional materials we use, please visit the link below:

ICSD High-Quality Instructional Materials