Curriculum Review Cycle

Research and Develop

This stage focuses on identifying instructional resources that are aligned in evidence-based practices to meet the needs of all students. A task force will be created, led by the K-6 or 7-12 Assistant to the Superintendent to identify the most effective program. Specifically, this stage involves the following: 

• Analyze current data for trends and needs using assessment data (state assessments, benchmarks, etc).
• Conduct gap analysis of curriculum to ensure alignment with standards, identify strengths and needs, and avoid overlap.
• Review academic standards and outline K-12 curriculum scope and sequence.
• Review current and new textbook programs and vendors to ensure alignment with district and state standards as well as national reports such as EdReports.
• Identify potential new resources (if necessary) and vet through research and vendor presentations.
  • Collect feedback from district faculty to inform curricular needs.
  • Survey curricular taskforce members to evaluate the programs that were researched and reviewed and to determine which program(s) to pilot.

Pilot & Refine

This stage begins after a textbook or resource has been selected. Curricular taskforce members will pilot the selected textbook program(s) within their classroom. Observations will be conducted by key stakeholders to gain further insight about the selected program(s). The following steps will serve as a guide to be taken at the conclusion of the pilot study:

1. A follow up survey will be sent to all pilot participants to evaluate the effectiveness of the piloted program(s).
2. Survey data from the feedback from taskforce members will be presented to the curriculum committee by the K-6 or 7-12 Assistant to the Superintendent.
3. A formal recommendation for a new program/vendor will be made to the curriculum committee for formal board approval in March.
4. A professional development plan for the new curriculum and resources will be devised and shared with key stakeholders.
5. Communication will be shared with teachers and key stakeholders about the new curriculum and resources. 

Implement & Support

This stage ensures that the adopted curriculum and resources are successfully implemented in classrooms, professional development will be arranged by the K-6 or 7-12 Assistant to the Superintendent to provide the training, resources and support they need to deliver high-quality instruction. The following will serve as a guide to ensure consistent implementation across the district:

• Post for district faculty to write a new curriculum.
• Conduct professional development for teachers on new curriculum/new resources during inservice days.
• Monitor implementation of new curriculum, assessments, and resources in all classrooms. 
• Solicit ongoing feedback from teachers. 
• Conduct classroom visits by the department head, building principals and central office staff to provide support and gain further insight about new curriculum and resources.

Monitor & Evaluate

This stage focuses on continuous improvement, to ensure that the curriculum and resources are meeting the needs of students, we will continually examine instructional practices, student outcomes and teacher feedback. The following will serve as a guide to help determine the effectiveness of the implemented curriculum and resources:

• Solicit ongoing feedback from district faculty.
• Ensure the new program maintains vertical and horizontal alignment.
•  Provide ongoing professional development, as needed.
• Update instructional units and assessments, as needed.
• Consider additional supplemental and differentiated resources.
• Analyze common assessment data as well as historical PSSA and Keystone data.