Albany’s curriculum focuses on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and Math, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for science, ensuring students gain core knowledge and skills for college and careers. Key aspects of implementation include using curriculum frameworks for guidance, engaging in professional development for teachers, and shifting instructional approaches to emphasize deeper understanding, problem-solving, and collaborative learning. These standards define the specific knowledge, concepts, and skills students should acquire at each grade level. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) focus on scientific practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas.
 

Our district is committed to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Teachers have been trained on evidence based literacy instruction and we have acquired new curricula focused on strengthening foundational skills. 
 

To ensure alignment across grade levels, coherence, and inclusion of vocabulary, fluency and building knowledge, a K–5 literacy curriculum adoption committee has been formed. The committee consists of teachers, administrators, and specialists evaluating research-backed programs to select the best materials for effective, equitable instruction. Curricular materials are being piloted this year with the intention of adopting a new curriculum for the new school year 2026-2027.
 

In Albany we administer evidence-based academic screening assessments three times per year for students in kindergarten through 8th grades. Universal Screening is the process of collecting valid and reliable data multiple times a year from all students. This screening provides the data educators need to predict gaps in learning for individual students, classrooms, and grade levels and allow for early access to intervention services that can help students find success. In addition to screening, teachers regularly use diagnostic assessments to identify learning gaps, formative assessments to provide ongoing feedback, and summative assessments to measure overall learning at the end of a unit, course, or learning period. Families can view all screening results for their children though the Aeries Parent Portal. In Albany we use the following universal screeners.

Assessment in Grades K-5:
Literacy: DIBELS*
Math: Fastbridge aMath

*Screening for Reading Difficulties: California Education Code Section 53008, mandates all California school districts to annually screen students in kindergarten through second grade for early identification of reading difficulties, including potential dyslexia. In Albany we use DIBELS, one of the screening tools approved by the state for this purpose. 

Assessment in Grades 6-8:
STAR Reading and STAR Math