Whittier uses HMH Into Reading as its core literacy program across all grade levels, K–5. The program builds reading skills through rich texts organized into themed modules, and develops vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing alongside phonics and foundational skills.

Each module introduces a big idea or theme, and students read a mix of fiction and nonfiction texts connected to that theme. Students also receive explicit instruction in phonics, spelling, and grammar.

mCLASS is an assessment platform that helps teachers understand how each student is developing as a reader. It gives teachers detailed, research-based information to match reading instruction to each student's needs.

The platform includes DIBELS 8th Edition (English) and Lectura (Spanish) assessments, which allow teachers to screen all students, track progress, and identify signs of reading difficulties — including risk for dyslexia — early on.

These assessments are given to students in grades K–5 three times a year (fall, winter, spring) and may include additional progress monitoring as needed to support students developing foundational literacy skills. mCLASS is approved by the Colorado Department of Education and aligns with the Science of Reading.

DIBELS is a series of brief, one-on-one assessments (typically 1–3 minutes each) that help teachers track students' progress in foundational reading skills, including:

These results help identify students who may need additional reading support and guide targeted interventions.

Whittier has Orton-Gillingham trained literacy specialists who provide foundational literacy and targeted skill support for students who need additional help. Orton-Gillingham is a structured, explicit, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading and spelling.

Students in grades 3–5 take the CMAS English Language Arts assessment each April — three test sessions. Learn more about CMAS →

Reading in your child's home language supports their overall literacy development. Encourage reading, storytelling, and conversation in your family's native language — this strengthens the same skills that transfer to reading in English.

Whittier's math curriculum, Illustrative Mathematics, is grounded in a problem-solving approach. Rather than memorizing procedures, students engage deeply with mathematical concepts by solving real-world problems, discussing strategies, collaborating with peers, and exploring different solutions.

This method builds critical thinking skills and makes math more relevant and enjoyable. We believe it fosters a love of learning and helps students become more confident mathematicians.

IXL LevelUp is an adaptive assessment that quickly and accurately measures each student's knowledge and provides a personalized action plan to help them grow. It is given three times a year (fall, winter, spring) to all students.

Two types of scores:

Technical Scale Score — represents a student's current achievement level and updates each time they use IXL. Scores are scaled to correspond to grade levels. For example, a score of 350 is typical of a mid-year 3rd grader; a score of 400 is typical of an early 4th grader. This score does not mean a student has mastered all content from previous grades.

Smart Score (0–100) — tied to individual skills. A score of 80 is considered proficient, 90 is excellent, and 100 shows mastery. It adjusts based on the number of questions answered, difficulty, and consistency.

In addition to IXL, students complete 8 module assessments throughout the year — approximately one every 3–4 weeks — aligned to each IM unit.

Individual and small-group number sense and targeted skill support is available based on student need, as identified through IXL and classroom assessments.

Students in grades 3–5 take the CMAS Math assessment each April — three test sessions. Learn more about CMAS →

Students in grades 3–5 take the CMAS state assessment each April. Learn more about CMAS →

Your child's progress is measured throughout the year using two tools, plus unit assessments in math.

Reading and talking in your home language helps your child's overall literacy development and directly supports skills they are learning at school.

Your child's progress is measured in several ways throughout the year.

CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) is Colorado's annual state assessment for students in grades 3–5. It tests English Language Arts (ELA) and Math each April, across three separate test sessions. Results are used alongside classroom assessments to give a fuller picture of student achievement — they do not determine whether a student passes or fails a grade.

CMAS testing takes place each April. Students complete three test sessions — typically spread across a few days. Your child's teacher will communicate the exact schedule in advance.

The best preparation is the learning your child does all year. Make sure they get a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast on test days. If you have concerns about your child's readiness, reach out to their teacher.

HMH Into Reading is Whittier's core literacy curriculum for grades K–5. The program develops the full range of literacy skills — phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing — through themed modules with fiction and nonfiction texts.

Each module is built around a big idea or theme. Students read multiple texts connected to that theme, develop vocabulary, and practice comprehension strategies. Alongside this, students receive explicit instruction in phonics, grammar, and writing.

Reading progress is tracked through mCLASS, which includes the DIBELS 8th Edition screener. This is a brief, one-on-one assessment given three times a year (fall, winter, spring) to all students in grades K–5. It helps teachers identify what each student needs and whether they are on track.

In addition, students complete 8 module assessments throughout the year — approximately one every 3–4 weeks — aligned to each HMH unit.

Students who need additional literacy support may work with one of Whittier's Orton-Gillingham trained literacy specialists. Orton-Gillingham is a structured, multi-sensory approach to reading and spelling that is particularly effective for students showing signs of reading difficulties or dyslexia risk.

Reading and talking in your home language directly supports the literacy skills your child is developing at school. Encourage reading, storytelling, and conversation in your family's native language — these skills transfer across languages.