Curriculum & Instruction
The Curriculum & Instruction Department at Rhodes School for the Performing Arts ensures that our students are being taught the same skills as their public-school peers. The department provides identifiable measurable results based on objectives to help determine student progress and academic achievement; keeps our students competitive when compared to others across the state; and ensures that our students can be successful in any educational setting, public or private.
Progress Learning
Did you know your child uses the valuable online tool, Progress Learning, at school? It’s a fun & easy-to-use platform designed and tailored to your scholar’s INDIVIDUAL academic success.
RSPA presented STAAR 2025 Growth Award
Congratulations to RSPA’s Curriculum & Instruction Department on the recognition of our STAAR 2025 growth, presented by Lumos Learning. Let’s celebrate the significant growth in Reading and Mathematics for students in grades 4 through 8!
Our Curriculum
Experience High-Quality Texas Math for Grades K-5
SBOE Approved | TEKS & ELPS Aligned | Knowledge Building
RSPA’s new math curriculum for scholars in grades Kindergarten-5th is here! Bluebonnet Learning are state-developed instructional materials that provide teachers with the tools to foster student success. Developed using the latest cognitive science, Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials cover 100% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and provide a full suite of resources including scope and sequence, daily lesson plans, and student materials. All Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials are designed to be high-quality, suitable, and grade-level appropriate.
To learn more, check out the Bluebonnet & Open Education Resources below under C&I Resources.
A Fresh Take on Math for Grades 6-8
RSPA’s 6th-8th grade scholars are discovering the wonder of mathematics in our everyday world with STEMscopes Math. Our educators create a meaningful learning experience that empowers our students with 21st-century skills to succeed in future STEM careers.
Next-Gen STEM for Next-Gen Science Standards in Grades K-8
STEMscopes provide a carefully curated, rigorous curriculum that both challenges and sparks the curiosity of students across the country.
Research studies show that using STEMscopes results in a higher number of students who meet or exceed science proficiency benchmarks on state assessments.
Our science curriculum is just the beginning.
PreK Curriculum
Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) is a leader in the development of research-based tools to improve early education quality for early care and education programs in Texas.
Social Studies Curriculum for K-8th & ELA for K-5
More inclusive, accessible, and relevant learning
We combine scientifically based research with personalized learning experiences to make our English language arts curriculum more effective, inclusive, and rewarding. Improve reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills, as well as 21st century skills.
ELA Curriculum for Grades 6th-8th
Windows & Mirrors are diverse curriculum materials that act as mirrors, allowing students to see themselves reflected in stories and materials, fostering a sense of belonging and validation, and as windows, providing insight into the lives and experiences of others, thereby promoting empathy, understanding, and a connection to the wider world.
Through Mirrors, we aim to provide students with texts that reflect their own identities, cultures, and experiences.
Through Windows, we aim to offer students glimpses into the lives, cultures, and perspectives of people different from themselves.
State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness 2026 (STAAR)
Access your child’s STAAR results…
PARENTS AND FAMILIES ARE CRITICAL PARTNERS IN A CHILD’S SUCCESS.
The Texas Education Agency is committed to ensuring you are informed and have an accurate picture of your child’s progress. Follow these 4 steps to Log In & Learn More.
Four Steps
1.) Starting June 16, visit TexasAssesment.gov and Log In
- with your child’s Unique Student Access Code from last year OR
- Social Security number (no dashes) where it says “TSDS ID” or “PEIMS ID”.
Note: Your child’s Unique Student Access Code is the same as last year if they were in 4th-8th grade for the 2025-2026 school year. For students in grade 3 in the 2025-2026 school year, or if you don’t remember their code, you can:
2.) Log in to the school district’s Parent Portal. Your child’s Unique Student Access Code will automatically populate in the Access Code field (see photo below). Tap the button to be directed to the Texas Assessment Family Portal to access the results.
3.) Review your child’s STAAR results and the personalized resources to support learning at home.
4.) At the beginning of the school year, discuss the test results with your child’s teacher and work together to support your child’s learning.
Science Fair 2026
It’s that time of year…RSPA’s Science Fair is scheduled for Thursday, November 12th! This is a time for our scholars to apply their critical thinking skills. They get to ask questions and derive the answers through experimentation. A science project challenges a student to solve a problem/answer a question using the scientific method or design process. It is a great way to excite children about science, teach them to think like scientists, develop organizational skills, and enhance their writing and oral presentation skills. Lessons have been worked into the curriculum to explain the process of conducting a science investigation to guide them on their way.
Please review the Schedule of Assignments for our 2nd-8th grade scholars below. PreK-1st grade scholars will work on a classroom project together to share on Science Fair Night! It must include a display board, a demonstration, or an experiment. This should be an engaging activity that parents and students can participate in.
Schedule of Assignments
| Due Date | Assignment |
| Wednesday, September 2, 2026 |
Science Fair packets uploaded to |
| Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | Topic choice is due: Teacher approval required. If not approved, the student needs to choose another topic and submit it for approval. |
| Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | Assignment #1 is due: Problem/Question & Hypothesis (Science grade) |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | Assignment #2 is due: Materials & Procedure (Science grade) |
| Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | Assignment #3 is due: Data, Results, & Conclusion (Science, ELA & Math grade) |
| Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | Assignment #4 is due: Written Report (Science & ELA grade) |
|
Thursday, November 05, 2026 ALL projects are due by 8:00 AM |
Assignment #5 is due: Display Board Final Project – Oral Presentation |
| Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Teacher-selected projects judged in the cafetorium |
| Thursday, November 12, 2026 | Science Fair Night – Winners Announced |
2026 Science Fair Judges
Karen Carter, MSRRT, Master of Science, Respiratory Care, Texas State University
Addie Smith, MS, Biomedical Diagnostics, Arizona State University
Robbyn Pope, B.S., Master of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
2026 Science Fair Guest Speaker
Durrell K. Douglas, Douglas Media Group Founder
Durrell K. Douglas is a Houston-born serial entrepreneur, media producer, creative director, and civic innovator whose work spans technology, digital media, education, real estate, and community development.
As the founder of Douglas Media Group and host of Live from the Black House, Douglas uses professional filmmaking, audio engineering, lighting design, digital storytelling, and media technology to produce content and bring compelling stories to audiences.
He is also the creator of Amplify, a professional development and media training initiative that helps entrepreneurs, speakers, and other professionals turn their ideas into digital content, build their brands, and reach larger audiences. Through Amplify, Douglas connects creative storytelling with emerging technologies, digital production tools, audience analytics, and entrepreneurial skills, helping others transform their knowledge into opportunities.
Douglas also directs TEDxThirdWard, where he brings together speakers, filmmakers, engineers, and creative professionals to transform innovative ideas into professionally produced presentations. His work involves everything from concept development and fundraising to stage production, lighting, sound, and video distribution.
As Executive Director of Houston Justice, Douglas uses data, digital communications platforms, and technology-driven outreach systems to connect communities, organize initiatives, and address real-world challenges.
Across his ventures, Douglas approaches entrepreneurship much like a scientific experiment: identifying problems, asking questions, developing ideas, testing solutions, and continually improving what works.
He believes that curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. His message to young people is simple: You don’t have to choose between being creative, technical, or entrepreneurial. You can be all three.
Learn more at durelldouglas.com
Parent Resources
Enhance Your Student's Learning, at HOME!
Did you know your child uses the valuable online tool, Progress Learning, at school? It’s a fun & easy-to-use platform designed and tailored to your scholar’s academic success.
RSPA encourages all parents to log in from home and collaborate with their scholar on the platform for a minimum of 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times each week.
Studies show that proper and consistent use of Progress Learning will enhance student learning. This platform is directly tied to our NWEA data and supports each scholar’s INDIVIDUAL success!
Curriculum & Instruction Department
Administration Building – Room 213
13334 Wallisville Road
Houston, TX 77049
281-458-4334 ext. 115
Monet Calhoun, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
13334 Wallisville Rd.
Houston, TX 77049
(281) 458-4334
information@rhodesschool.org
CAMPUS LOCATION
13334 Wallisville Rd.
Houston, TX 77049
(281) 459-9797
Chrishelle Palay, President
Kenitra Bennett-Edwards, MBA, Secretary
Michelle Harris, M. Ed, Member
Sloane Hughlett, Member
Derrick Sherrard, Member
CONNECT WITH RSPA!