Payne students strive for academic excellence in all areas.  Teachers use the California Content Standards , GATE Standards , ELD Standards , and current research about how students learn to plan classroom curriculum.  Each grade level employs a balanced curriculum which allows students to master basic skills as well as practice higher level thinking skills and problem solving through differentiated instruction.  Student progress is monitored through benchmark assessments, curriculum mapping, and a variety of formal and informal classroom assessments.  Two of our math programs, Everyday Math and ST Math , are available to practice at home.  Please take a moment to check out the fun and educational sites on our Student Resources page.