Curriculum

Overview:
The curriculum, which includes coursework, co-curricular activities, and other school-approved educational experiences, is the school’s formal plan to fulfill its mission statement and expectations for student learning. The curriculum links the school’s beliefs, its expectations for student learning, and its instructional practices. The strength of that link is dependant upon the commitment and involvement of the professional staff to a comprehensive, ongoing review of the curriculum.  

Indicators:
To jump to each indicator’s guiding question, click on the corresponding numbered bullet

Indicator 1: Each curriculum area shall identify those school-wide academic expectations for which it is responsible.

Indicator 2: The curriculum shall be aligned with the school-wide academic expectations and shall ensure that all students have sufficient opportunity to practice and achieve each of those expectations.

Indicator 3: The written curriculum shall:

• prescribe content;
• integrate relevant school-wide learning expectations;
• identify course-specific learning goals;
• suggest instructional strategies;
• suggest assessment techniques including the use of school-wide rubrics.

Indicator 4: The curriculum shall engage all students in inquiry, problem-solving, and higher order thinking as well as provide opportunities for the authentic application of knowledge and skills.

Indicator 5: The curriculum shall:

• be appropriately integrated;
• emphasize depth of understanding over breadth of coverage.

Indicator 6: The school shall provide opportunities for all students to extend learning beyond the normal course offerings and the school campus.

Indicator 7: There shall be effective curricular coordination and articulation between and among all academic areas within the school as well as with sending schools in the district.

Indicator 8: Instructional materials, technology, equipment, supplies, staffing levels, and the resources of the library/media center shall be sufficient to allow for the implementation of the curriculum.

Indicator 9: The professional staff shall be actively involved in the ongoing development, evaluation, and revision of the curriculum based on assessments of student performance in achieving the school's academic expectations and course-specific learning goals.

Indicator 10: The school shall commit sufficient time, financial resources, and personnel to the development, evaluation, and revision of curriculum.

Indicator 11: Professional development activities shall support the development and implementation of the curriculum.