Building Curriculum: What does a Leader Need to Know?

Principal Session

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Session Purpose

The purpose of this session is for participants to learn the specific elements required to begin creating Common Core-aligned ELA curriculum in the school and district.

Identify structural and environmental elements needed for building ELA curriculum

Identify characteristics of teachers who can be successful curriculum writers.

Evaluate ELA curriculum modules

Are you ready to create curriculum?

• Reflect on lessons learned from this morning using the handout.

• Discuss at your table your perceived readiness for creating curriculum at your school(s).

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Structural and Environmental Elements for Building Curriculum

• Time• Space• Climate

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Collaboration

• Defined: To work jointly with others or togetherespecially in an intellectual endeavor (Merriam-Webster)

• Richard DuFour (2004) characterizes professional learning communities as groups of educators who “work together to analyze and improve their classroom practice…engaging in an ongoing cycle of questions that promote deep team learning” (p. 9).

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Questions to Ask

• Are the Conditions Right for Us to Collaborate Successfully?

• Are Our Efforts Aligned With School and District Priorities?

• Are We Focused on Improving Student Learning? • Do We Use Data to Inform Our Work?• Do We Share What We Learn?

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Locating Curriculum Writers in the Building

• Is your school ready to write curriculum?• Do you have teachers who can build curriculum?

Expert in the content Knowledgeable of CCSS shifts Collaborates with co-workers effectively Ability to see big picture and still work in the details Responds positively to constructive feedback

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How do I know the Curriculum is Aligned and Appropriate for my Students?

• Coherence (vertical and horizontal alignment that has vision and attention to detail)

• Relevance (content provides learning outcomes and assessment processes)

• Rigor (addressing standards with clarity and complexity)

• Flexibility (to provide for diverse learners)• Fidelity (to evidence-based practices)

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Reflection

• How do you know your teachers can do the work of curriculum writing?

• What do you need to do (as a leader) to support your teachers writing curriculum?