Curriculum Decision Making

A new curriculum cycle for each content area begins every four years. During the cycle, the content area is studied and evaluated; a new curriculum plan is implemented; updated materials are purchased; staff members are trained; and new assessments are established. The goal of the process is to maintain quality of instruction and promote successful student performance with the best materials and practices available.

The cycle starts with a study of Trends and Issues in the area being evaluated. This study involves meeting with experts, reviewing research, reading literature reviews, visiting sites, attending conferences, participating in study groups, etc. Concurrently, a Needs Assessment is developed by a committee of teachers, parents, administrators, students, and community members. A district Beliefs and Direction Statement is then written, based on the implications of the Trends and Issues study, the Needs Assessment, and information collected about what practices should start, stop, and stay in the areas of curriculum and instruction, assessment, materials and technology. Actual implementation of the new curriculum plan takes place in the third year of the cycle.

The decision-making process follows this schedule:

Curriculum writing includes:

• Development of Curriculum Framework (grade level/course focus)
• K-12 Alignment of Content Standards
• Development of Scope and Sequence/Specific Skills
• Identification of Grade Level/Course Assessment Benchmark content
• Identification of “Best Practice” Instructional Strategies

The Complete Curriculum Package presented to the Board of Education in the thired year of the review process includes:

• Organizational Structure
• Curriculum – Belief and Direction Statement, Content Standards, Content Standard K-12 Alignment matrix, Scope and Sequence/Specific Skills
• Delivery – Grade Level Focus, Course Matrix, Course Description
• Materials – Formal Evaluation Instrument, Recommended list primary materials
• Assessment Plan
• Staff Development Plan
• Revision Plan
• Budget

Curriculum Cycles

Specific content area cycles are as follows:

There is annual work in each curricular area to update and refine curriculum documents.

If you are interested in being a part of the decision-making process for a particular content area, please contact Jenni Norlin-Weaver at 952-848-4951.