High-quality coherent curriculum is identified as the most significant factor contributing to learning gains, based on evidence from DuFour & Marzano (2011). A well-designed curriculum has the power to bridge learning gaps among students and can enhance the effectiveness of both new and experienced teachers. Implementing a consistent curriculum ensures that students are taught essential content with rigor, regardless of the teacher they have. This helps to avoid significant variations in content and expectations among teachers with the same school and grade level, ultimately benefitting student knowledge acquisition, reading comprehension, and achievement in math and science (Hirsch, 2020; Schmoker & Marzano, 1999).
Utilize district-adopted materials
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Critical Content
Access for ALL
Rigor / Relevance
During collaborative planning time, teachers will share best practices and innovative lesson plans, aligned to grade level standards.
Planning Standards-Based Lessons/Units (Collaborative)
Teacher align resources to standard(s) (Curriculum, Assessments, Materials)
Teachers plan to close the achievement gap using data (MTSS, PBIS)
Teachers explicitly identify critical content from the standards, using terms your students understand
Resources:
DuFour, R., & Marzano, R. (2011). Leaders and learning. Solution Tree.
Hirsch, E. D. (2020). How to educate a citizen. HarperCollins.
Schmoker, M., & Marzano, R. (1999). Realizing the promise of standards-based education. Educational Leadership, 56(6), 17–21.