The instructional programs at SMS are aligned with the M.P.U.S.D. report card rubrics and the California State Standards for curriculum.  These objectives are District-wide statements of curricular standards in Reading/Literature, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, and Health and Wellness.  The objectives express "what" should be taught in classrooms to all students by the end of each grade level.  The objectives are benchmarks for evaluating the success of both individual students and overall school and District achievement.  The objectives serve to provide common goals about what should be taught throughout the District, while preserving the right of the individual classroom teacher to choose "how" instruction is provided for students.  Teachers review and discuss these objectives at Back to School Night and at individual parent conferences. The instructional programs at SMS feature both individualized instruction based on diagnostic/prescriptive procedures as well as group instruction emphasizing student instruction and classroom values.