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Curriculum and Instruction Report

Pocantico Hills School

February 28, 2005

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Introduction

Examine state of the school’s curriculum and instruction

Provide recommendations on how to improve teaching and learning at PHS

Prepare a short and long term curriculum and instruction plan

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Mission

To emphasize the English/Language Arts (ELA) Learning Standards (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in all grade levels and all subject areas linking our newly adopted writing and reading programs and resulting in a comprehensive standards-based ELA curriculum Pre-K – 8.

To organize staff to capitalize on their expertise and training and to enhance student learning in a standards based environment.

To provide multiple opportunities for all students to demonstrate academic achievement in the least restrictive educational environment.

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Current State

District-wide curriculum reviews are not standards based, are not current for all subjects and are not cyclical

Professional development has not had a district-wide focus There has been no district-wide direction in the use of

professional development monies by individual teachers There is no long term plan for curriculum review and related

professional development All students are not receiving daily instruction in the optimal

and/or “least restrictive” educational setting There is extremely limited technology to promote teaching and

learning

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Current Professional Development Status

0

5

10

15

20

25

TrainingSessionsAttended

Literacy

InclusiveEducation

Subject

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Progress to Date

District-wide curriculum reviews are not standards based, are not current for all subjects and are not cyclical

Identified curriculum “guide posts” for English/Language Arts (Pre-k – 8) aligned with New York State learning standards

Established “exit outcomes” for special area classes aligned with New York State learning standards

Professional development has not had a district-wide focus Conducted district-wide professional development on lesson and unit design (Dimensions of

Learning model) and English/Language Arts Emphasized literacy and inclusive education as training priorities Conducted monthly professional development through faculty meetings Created a “strength based” Child Study Team referral form

There is no long term plan for curriculum review and related professional development Established a long term relationship with an English/Language Arts consultant Enhanced partnerships with Briarcliff, Pleasantville and Sleepy Hollow High Schools to

compare and align content and teaching methods

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PHS Curriculum & Instruction Strategies

Ensure annual district-wide professional development aligns with strategic framework goals

Develop curriculum review cycles so that no major curriculum is ever more than four years old

Provide ongoing building based professional development through the strategic use of faculty meetings

Develop professional partnerships with expert consultants in areas of standards based content, assessment and teaching methods

Align out of district professional development with annual district goals and priorities

Link professional development in technology and new technologies to annual district curriculum and instruction priorities

Align our work in curriculum and instruction to New York State learning standards Ensure adoption of new curriculum and teaching methods through the district’s

teacher accountability process

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Curriculum & InstructionRecommendations for 2005-2006

Develop a curriculum review cycle of 4-5 years for major content (subject) areas

Create standards and leadership teams to review curriculum, teaching methods and resources

Increase investment in district-wide professional development for major content (subject) areas

Improve the delivery of instruction through enhanced technology:

– Increase computer access for students and staff– Appoint a technology specialist who can link technology to

standards based instruction and professional development

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Conclusion

We have begun our efforts to enhance learning at Pocantico Hills by addressing the fundamentals of every lesson. Our work to date has included lesson design, the determination of “guide posts” in our English/Language Arts curriculum and an emphasis on optimal learning conditions for all students. These efforts represent a district- wide focus clearly aligned with our planning process. Our long range plans include a periodic review of our curricula, a comprehensive approach to professional development and institutional support for the necessary resources. Our short term goals include a review of the math curriculum, a continued emphasis on differentiating learning opportunities and the integration of technology into our daily practice. Our commitment to these efforts will be reflected in the proposed 2005-2006 school budget