The Sioux Falls School District’s elementary reading/language arts curriculum is guided by the Common Core Standards. These Standards define for all students what they must know in the following strands: reading, writing, and listening, speaking and viewing.

Sound curriculum includes reading instruction, word study, independent reading, writing instruction and independent writing. 

The Common Core Standards provide a listing of essential core content to be taught and learned. They are designed to guide the planning of instruction and to anchor the assessment of learning. The Alternate Content Standards for each area expand the developmental spectrum of the Common Core Standards for students with significant disabilities while guiding instruction and assure all students access to the general education curriculum.