1. Research Phase—During this phase, teachers will gather research, examine student performance data, visit schools with quality programs, attend national, state, and local conferences, conduct surveys where appropriate, review pilot materials, review the current curriculum guides, share this information at grade level and departmental meetings and set the direction for the curriculum for the next five years.
2. Pilot/Write Phase—During this phase, teachers may pilot different programs, strategies and materials they are considering for implementation, receive training on the Understanding By Design curriculum writing process, review and propose textbooks for adoption and write the revised curriculum using curriculum management software.
The curriculum will be developed by unit and will include: appropriate grade level(s), length of course, vocabulary, textbooks and supplemental materials, the standards being addressed, understandings, essential questions, objectives, assessments, instructional strategies/procedures and differentiation. Curriculum writing software will be used.
3. Implementation—During this phase, teachers will implement the new curriculum, monitoring strengths and needs of the curriculum and/or materials throughout the year.
4. Monitoring—During this phase, teachers will implement modifications that they observed as areas of need from the implementation phase. Curriculum writers will make these changes within the curriculum software (if available) and monitor the results.
5. Continue to monitor—During this phase, the monitoring continues and departments may meet to identify any areas that may need additional support or revision.
6. Evaluation—During this phase, teachers will evaluate the impact of their curriculum on student achievement, examining standardized test scores, AP/SAT data and common/local assessments in preparation for the beginning of their curriculum cycle the following year.
Curriculum Meetings
The membership of a curriculum committee includes teachers, administrators, parents who have an interest in that content area, and community members. Meeting dates will be established as necessary throughout the year. Parents will be notified via District email when committees are established and may indicate their interest in participation at that time. Parent and community participation in these committees is always welcome and appreciated.
Standardized Testing
For more information about assessments in our District, visit Assessments