Curriculum 2025-2026
Curriculum and Assessment Overview at
Guidance Islamic School
At Guidance Islamic School, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and well-rounded education for all students. Our curriculum reflects a balance between academic excellence and a strong foundation in Islamic values. We also utilize multiple assessments to monitor student growth, guide instruction, and ensure continuous academic improvement. Below is an overview of the core curricula we use and our approach to student assessment:
Core Curricula
McGraw-Hill Curriculum (Core Academic Subjects)
Subjects Covered
• English Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Grammar)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
Overview:
The McGraw-Hill curriculum is a trusted and nationally recognized resource for academic
instruction. It offers a structured, standards-based approach that aligns with state and national
benchmarks. Each subject area provides engaging content, critical thinking activities, and realworld applications to deepen student understanding. Teachers use a variety of resources,
including textbooks, digital platforms, and hands-on activities, to meet the diverse learning styles
of students.
Key Features:
• Research-based instructional strategies
• Differentiated learning opportunities
• Technology integration for enhanced learning
• Emphasis on problem-solving, analysis, and communication skills
SAFER Series (Islamic Studies)
Overview:
The SAFER (Structured Arabic and Faith Educational Resources) Series is a comprehensive Islamic Studies program designed for young learners. It provides a progressive and systematic approach to teaching Islamic knowledge and practice, nurturing a strong Muslim identity while
developing key life skills.
Content Focus Areas:
• Aqeedah (Belief)
• Fiqh (Jurisprudence)
• Seerah (Life of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)
• Islamic Manners and Morals
• Qur’an and Hadith Studies
Key Features:
• Age-appropriate language and activities
• Structured progression through Islamic concepts
• Interactive lessons and character-building exercises
• Emphasis on applying Islamic teachings in daily life
BIDAYAH Curriculum (Arabic Language)
Overview:
BIDAYAH is a structured, beginner-friendly Arabic curriculum developed specifically to help non-native speakers learn Arabic efficiently and meaningfully. It focuses on building a strong foundation in reading, writing, and speaking Arabic, starting with phonics and gradually
advancing to sentence construction and comprehension.
Key Components:
• Age-appropriate language and activities
• Structured progression through Islamic concepts
• Interactive lessons and character-building exercises
• Emphasis on applying Islamic teachings in daily life
Key Components:
• Step-by-step, scaffolded instruction
• Engaging visual aids and audio supports
• Integration of Qur’anic Arabic to connect language learning with Islamic studies
• Practice activities that reinforce both academic and conversational Arabic
Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring
At Guidance Islamic School, we believe that continuous assessment is key to understanding and supporting each student’s academic journey. These assessments help us to track student growth, inform instruction, and support early intervention. To monitor student progress and growth
effectively, we utilize the following assessment tools:
MAP® Growth (Measures of Academic Progress)
• Administered three times per year (Fall, Winter, Spring)
• Measures growth in Reading, Mathematics, and Language Usage
• Provides personalized learning data to inform instruction and set individual goals
• Allows teachers to identify strengths, address learning gaps, and group students
strategically for targeted instruction
ILEARN (Indiana's Statewide Summative Assessment)
• Administered annually for students in grades 3 and up
• Measures proficiency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social
Studies
• Aligns with Indiana Academic Standards
• Provides critical information on school and student performance at the state level
• Helps the school adjust curriculum and instruction to meet state requirements and student
needs
I-Read Diagnostic (for younger learners)
• Used for Reading and Math for students in lower elementary grades
• Provides an adaptive diagnostic assessment to pinpoint student performance
• Offers individualized instruction based on the student’s specific needs
• Allows for progress monitoring throughout the year to track improvements and challenges
WIDA ACCESS (for English Language Learners)
• Administered annually to students identified as English Language Learners (ELLs)
• Assesses English proficiency across four domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing
• Helps monitor the progress of ELL students in acquiring academic English
• Data is used to design targeted support strategies and language development interventions
• Ensures that all students, regardless of language background, receive equitable opportunities for success
Universal Screener (Reading)
• Administered three times a year for students in Kindergarten to 2nd grade
• Assesses reading fluency with adaptive technology based on the science of reading
• Assesses foundational skills including phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and language comprehension
• Assesses oral reading fluency including emerging reader’s ability to read aloud quickly, accurately, and with expression
• Identifies students at risk for dyslexia, or other reading difficulties
Universal Screener (Math)
• Administered three times a year for students in Kindergarten to 2nd grade
• Assessment is aligned with Indiana Academic standers for mathematics
• Identifies students who are at risk of not meeting grade-level mathematics proficiency
• Assessment results are used to plan targeted instruction and allows teachers to monitor growth and adjust instruction throughout the year using a multitiered system of support