| | Curriculum development depends on a pre-determined plan designed to include all stakeholders within a school district. A reliable, sustainable, and effective curriculum cannot be based on a disconnected plan of attack.
Hoyle, Fenwick English, and Steffy (1994) offer four reasons a systematic approach to curriculum development is essential: -
To ensure continuity of instruction within a school and among schools. -
To ensure progressive skill development among schools through continuity of instruction. -
To maximize the use of student time, avoid unnecessary instructional overlaps, prevent gaps, and thereby minimize boredom and ensure mastery of curriculum. -
To provide a strong barrier against the problem of concentrating on one school or level of schools at the expense of the total system.
SMCAA has organized the following comprehensive service to provide a framework for a systematic approach to district-wide curriculum development and implementation. Work previously done by district personnel will be considered when organizing a district plan designed to accurately identify areas of strength/weakness within the system; assess and recommend professional growth needs; and develop an articulated curriculum to guide instruction.
This long-term support provides a scheduled plan for services and training to take curriculum beyond a well-written document and into effective implementation designed for enduring understandings. |