NEPN/NSBA Code:  IGA

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION

Rapid social change, technological development, and expansion of knowledge are facts of contemporary life. Public education must respond appropriately. Therefore, it is imperative that individual schools, the school system as a whole, and the School Committee continuously review and evaluate existing programs and practices and adjust, modify, or change them as found advantageous in effectively meeting the best interests of students and the community. 

As defined in Maine Department of Education rules, “curriculum” means Lewiston Public School’s written document that sets forth the learning expectations for all students for all content areas of Maine’s system of Learning Results, as well as for other content areas as specified by the School Committee. 

The Lewiston Public School’s curriculum shall reflect continuous, sequential, and specific instruction aligned with the content areas of the Learning Results including the knowledge and skills described in the “Parameters for Essential Instruction” and the “Guiding Principles” of the Learning Results.

Through its curriculum, the schools will provide courses and/or learning experiences that support multiple pathways for learning, accommodate a variety of learning styles, provide multiple options for students to demonstrate proficiency, and prepare students for responsible citizenship and success in a global society.

The School Committee recognizes that curriculum development, review, and evaluation is an ongoing process and that programs and practices may need to be adjusted or revised to meet educational standards, reflect community aspirations and values, and serve the best interests of students. 

In the development, revision, and evaluation of the curriculum, the School Committee expects that:

A. School administration and staff will be sensitive to changing conditions that may require changes in curriculum;

B. All programs will be subject to ongoing review and evaluation to ensure that they meet the instructional needs of children;

C. The school system will undertake intensive curriculum revision as needed;

D. The Superintendent/designee will take the lead, in the ongoing curriculum development and review process and in the alignment of curriculum with educational standards and with advances in knowledge, educational research, and “best practices.” 

E. Curriculum development and revision will be achieved with the appropriate involvement of administration, instructional and support staff, students, parents, community, and the School Committee.

To enhance a sound, basic educational program, the School Committee expects curriculum revision to reflect such critical issues in our present society as: a) the relationships between humans and their environment, b) values relative to family and civic responsibility, c) American and state heritage, d) recognition that people are members of the world community, and e) presenting a realistic picture of the contributions made by the various ethnic and racial groups in the development of our nation.

Moreover, in recognition of our nation’s diversified cultural heritage and some of the educational challenges that result from such diversity, the School Committee expects that ways of preserving that heritage will be sought through the development of educational programs which

will, among other things, ensure that non-English speaking children shall have access to quality education while not impeding their learning of the English language.

The Superintendent/designee is expected to develop plans and timelines as necessary for the design, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum.

The Superintendent is expected to make recommendations to the School Committee, consistent with School Committee policy, in regard to professional development, instructional materials, and the resources needed for curriculum implementation.

The Superintendent will report annually, or as otherwise requested, to the School Committee on the status of the curriculum. 

Legal Reference:

20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 1001(6), 4701-4729, 6209

Me. Dept. of Ed. Rule Chapters 125, 127

Cross Reference:

ADF-School Unit Commitment to the Learning Results

IJJ-Instructional and Library-Media Materials Selection

IL - Evaluation of Instructional Programs

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Reviewed: September 10, 2012 

Reviewed: September 24, 2018

Revised: May 13, 2024