Curriculum Development & Instruction

Evaluation g Development g Prof. Devl.

Focus: 2009/10

Curriculum Review/Revision

Continue review of Science K-8

Begin review of Science 9-12

ESL-Revision Grades 9-12; Implementation in Grades 6-8

Program Initiatives

• Implement Power Standards
• Instruction Data Teams
• Effective Teaching Strategies
• Common Formative Assessments
• SRBI - Scientific Research Based Interventions
• Develop pacing guides
• SS - grades 6-10
• LA- grades K-5
• Math - grades 3-5
• Sustain new Pre-K program at Brookside
• Expand ELL Welcome Center Services
• Assess AT Program; expand student diversity
• Implement Common Assessments in MS Social Studies

Monitor Implementation of new courses

• Implement HS Elective in Anatomy & Physiology
• Professional Development
• Writing across all curricula at secondary level
• Sciences: Use of Inquiry Strategies
• Data Team Training across the District
• Math: Grades 1-5

Best Practices/Staff Development Priorities

• Reflect g Teach g Assess g Reflect
• Maintain focus on the instruction core, i.e., the interaction between student and teacher in the presence of content
• Focus on students as intellectually active workers
• High level thinking and academically rigorous problem solving in classroom tasks
• Using student performance data and formative assessments to set goals and plan instruction
• Integrate technology into the curriculum

Instructional Work

• Continue District and School
• Continue implementation of CALI model
• Identification of Priority Standards LA-K-5
• Implementation & Unwrapping of Priority Standards:
• SS - Grades 6-10
• LA - Grades K-5, 6-12
• Math - Grade 11
• Science - Grades 6- 12
• Health 6 - 12
• Develop and review Curriculum Benchmarks and Assessments
• Enhance welcoming atmosphere in all schools; students' handbooks; secretaries handbooks; school walkthroughs

Multi-Year Priorities

• Strong instructional leadership
• Highly functioning learning communities
• Increase system capacity for professional growth
• Continued emphasis on inclusion
• Accountability through assessment of stated objective in the district/school growth plans
• Effective supervision to improve performance
• Academic intervention to ensure student success
• Enhanced academic opportunities for all students
• Strong parental and community involvement
• Strong systemic pre-and after school programs
• Strong linkages with community agencies and organizations, e.g., NEF, NCC, Norwalk ACTS