Curriculum Writing

Why Curriculum Writing?

Goal

To ensure continuous improvement of student learning by maintaining a relevant, responsive, and equitable guaranteed and viable curriculum steeped in the values of personalized competency-based learning.

We will know we're finished when:

We've collaborated as a horizontal and vertical team and/or PLC, and no work was done in isolation
We have reviewed data to understand our strengths and opportunities for improvement (Step 1)
We have a completed curriculum template form for every course in our content area built on standards (Step 2)
We have an accurate Framework for thinking about our content area to display to our community (Step 3)
We have updated our Report Card (as needed) (Step 3)
We have made proficiency scales for each of our essential outcomes (Step 4)
We have a scope and sequence connected to essential outcomes and standards (Step 5)
We have selected a resource that best meets our needs (Step 6)

Resources

Task 1: Scope and Sequence

NEW FOR ELA

This would be wise to log in to your resource to outline their scope and sequence and use it to complete the steps below.

Directions:

In the steps leading to this Identify Essential Outcomes:
- we began with our district or state-mandated standards.
- We used the standards bundling protocol to create essential outcomes. These are the "must-knows" for each grade level or course.
- We also prioritized these outcomes based on their enduring value and relevance.
Determine Available Instructional Time:
- Map out the school calendar, including breaks, holidays, and testing periods.
- Calculate the actual number of instructional days available for each quarter or semester.
- Be realistic about the time required for review, assessments, and potential disruptions.
Divide the Year into Quarters:
- Organize the academic year into manageable segments.
- Ensure that each quarter has a relatively equal amount of instructional time.

Resources you might use:

- OPTIONAL: Year Plan [FORCE COPY]
Develop Unit Plans for Each Quarter:
- Within each quarter, create logical unit plans that build upon each other.
- Each unit should focus on a specific set of related essential outcomes.
- Consider the logical progression of concepts and skills.
- Unit Length: Assign a realistic time frame to each unit. Over-estimation will lead to a curriculum that is not viable.

Resources you might use:

- OPTIONAL: Unit Plan Grid [FORCE COPY]
- OPTIONAL: Unit Plan Wheel [FORCE COPY]

5. Align Essential Outcomes and Standards to Units:

- For each unit, explicitly identify the essential outcomes that will be addressed.
- List the specific standards that are aligned with each outcome.
- Ensure that all essential outcomes are addressed within the scope and sequence.
- Specificity: Be specific. Do not use general statements. Show the actual standards.

6. Sequence Units Logically:

- Arrange the units in a logical order that supports student learning.
- Consider prerequisite knowledge and skills.
- Ensure that concepts are introduced and reinforced throughout the year.
- Vertical Alignment: Refer to the vertical alignment documents to ensure that the current units are building upon previous knowledge, and preparing students for future learning.

7. Create a Scope and Sequence Document:

- Develop a clear and concise document that outlines the scope and sequence for the year.
- REQUIRED Complete this form [FORCE COPY]

8. Review for Viability:

- Review the scope and sequence to ensure that it is realistic and achievable.
- Consider the following:
  - Is there enough time to cover all of the essential outcomes and standards?
  - Are the units sequenced logically?
  - Are the assessments aligned with the outcomes and standards?
  - Are there enough review days built in?
  - Are there any units that can be combined or eliminated?

Example (Simplified):

Grade: 6th Grade Mathematics

Quarter 1:

Unit 1: Ratios and Proportional Relationships
- Essential Outcome: Students will use ratios and proportions to solve real-world problems.
- Standards: 6.RP.1, 6.RP.2, 6.RP.3

23-24 CAT Work

Final Submission for this step

Step 5: Scope and Sequence (Responses)

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