Curriculum

Instructional Materials

Gunnison Watershed School District K–12 curriculum is composed of a wide range of textbooks and other instructional materials. Each school year the district purchases a new curriculum in one major subject area. The instructional material selection process includes opportunities for teachers and staff to review materials and provide feedback.

Implementation 2025-26: English Language Arts curriculum

Gunnison Elementary School- HMH Into Literature
Crested Butte Elementary School- Benchmark Advance
Gunnison Middle School-

Purchasing 2025-26: Art, Music, Physical Education, Health

Reviewing Materials 2025-26: K-12 Science & Pre-Kindergarten

Instruction

Gunnison Watershed School District Instructional Framework

Our Vision

Every student in Gunnison Watershed School District engages in high-quality, standards-based learning that is purposeful, data-driven, and grounded in the belief that all students can achieve at high levels. We ensure success for every learner through coherent instruction, rigorous expectations, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Gunnison Watershed School District has embraced the Colorado Academic Standards. The Colorado Academic Standards are a "grade-by-grade road map" created by the Colorado Department of Education to ensure students gain the necessary knowledge and skills for college, careers, and life. They outline expectations in 12 subject areas, focusing on critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and communication to prepare students for a successful future.

Colorado Academic Standards Online

Family and Community Guides to the Colorado Academic Standards

Assessment

2025-26 Elementary Assessment Calendar

2025-26 Secondary Assessment Calendar

Each year, students in Colorado participate in state-required assessments that provide valuable information to families, educators, and the community. These assessments are mandated by state and/or federal law and help ensure that all students receive a high-quality education aligned to Colorado Academic Standards. Results help us understand how well students are meeting grade-level expectations and guide instructional planning and program improvement across the district.

Assessment	Purpose	Grade Level	Content	Testing Window
CMAS	CMAS measures student mastery of Colorado Academic Standards in core academic areas. Results help identify strengths and growth areas, inform instruction, and evaluate programs across schools.	Grades 3-8	Reading Math Science Social Studies (Grades 4 & 7 @ GCS/Marble ONLY)	April 6-April 24, 2026
PSAT/SAT	PSAT and SAT assess readiness for college and career pathways. Results support course placement, instructional planning, and are part of Colorado’s high school accountability system.	Grades 10-12	Reading/Writing Math	April 13-24, 2026
WIDA	WIDA ACCESS measures English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Results guide language development services and instructional support.	Grades K–12 (for identified multilingual learners)	Reading Writing Listening Speaking	January 12-February 13, 2026