DCVPA recognizes that curriculum development must be an ongoing process in order to address continually the changing needs and diversity of all students and to fulfill the educational goals of the school. DCVPA further recognizes that while educators must be responsible for developing the curriculum, parents, other governmental agencies, businesses, and members of the public have valuable insights in the type of curriculum needed.

A. Curriculum Development

The curriculum must be developed to meet state and school requirements, using the current statewide instructional standards as a foundation. The Chancellor or, if designated the Dean, shall establish a curriculum committee to coordinate curriculum planning and ensure that the curriculum is aligned with the current statewide instructional standards and includes subject-area competencies for each grade level. Teachers should receive appropriate training so that they may participate in curriculum development. The committee also must seek input from parents, the community, and experts in order to make fully informed decisions.

The Dean shall direct the committee to review periodically the curriculum content used in courses addressing the founding principles of our nation.

The committee may recommend that DCVPA expand subject areas and objectives of the curriculum to meet the educational goals of the school and state and federal laws. The committee also may recommend eliminating subject areas or objectives that are not state-required or related to the educational goals of the school.

B. Curriculum Modification by Individual Schools

The principal is the instructional leader of the school and is responsible for determining whether the curriculum meets the needs of the students of the school. Accordingly, the principal or designee may consider modifying the curriculum.

The curriculum committee shall ensure that the curriculum continues to be aligned with the current statewide instructional standards.

C. Evaluation

The Dean shall ensure that the methods for meeting curriculum objectives are regularly evaluated for their effectiveness. The school also encourages external curriculum audits by professional curriculum assessors.

Issued: July 12, 2018