August 22PD Day #2

RIGOROUS CURRICULUM DESIGN

“Inclusive set of intentionally aligned components-clear learning outcomes with matching assessments, engaging learning experiences, and instructional strategies- organized into sequenced units of study that serve both the detailed road map and the high quality delivery system for ensuring that all students achieve the desired end” (Ainsworth 2010)

WHAT IS RIGOROUS CURRICULUM?

Specific learning outcomes students are to achieve from pre-k to 12 th grade

Vertical representation of those outcomes (grade-to-grade)Units of study- topical, skills-based, thematicEmphasis on standards based skills and contentAcademic vocabulary specifi c to discipline and related to

each unit of studyExplicit links to assessments21s t- century learning skillsHigher-level thinking skills (Blooms Taxonomy: remember,

understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, create)Authentic, student-centered performance tasks that

engage learners in applying concepts and skills to the real world

WHAT DOES IT LOOK INCLUDE?

NC adoption of the Common Core State Standards

In preparation of the new aligned assessments rolling out in 2014-2015

To build stronger links between curriculum and professional best practices

Broaden our view of curriculaTo raise the level of teaching so that students

are prepared for the 21st-century with skills that “drive knowledge economies: innovation, creativity, teamwork, problem solving, flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning” (Hargreaves and Shirley, 2009)

WHY DO WE NEED TO REDESIGN CURRICULA?

THE BASIC IDEA

Step 1: chart students’ assessment results according to levels of proficiency

Step 2: analyze results to diagnose students’ needsStep 3: set a SMART goal (Specific, Measureable,

Achievable, Relevant, Timely)Step 4: select research-based instructional

strategies to meet their goalStep 5: differentiate performance levels of

students, including accommodations and modifications

Step 6: monitor effectiveness of targeted strategies(Teams will work together to decide Tier levels (1-3) and what interventions strategies to use)

STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING THE CURRICULAR UNIT:

Prioritize Standards, Name the Units of Study, Assign Priority Standards and Supporting Standards, Prepare a Pacing Calendar, Construct a Unit Planning Organizer

Prioritize the Standards: Too many to focus equal time on. Make sure standards are prioritized by:

Endurance (lasting beyond grade level), Leverage (cross-over application to other content subjects), and Readiness for next grade level

School (know and do at each grade level), Life (know and do after schooling), and Tests (aligned with external assessments)

CURRICULAR FOUNDATION

Step 1: ‘unwrap” the Unit Priority Standards: determine the specifi c, teachable concepts and skills (what do students need to know and do with standard)

Step 2: Create a Graphic Organizer: organize standards by concepts and skills, related concepts, and levels of Bloom’s thinking level

Step 3: Decide the Big Ideas and Essential Questions: write Essential Standards that will engage students to discover Big Ideas and be able to state them in their own words

Step 4: Create the End-of-Unit Assessment: align with benchmark assessments and EOGs

Step 5: Create the Unit Pre-Assessment: based on the Post-Assessment

Step 6: Identify Relevant and Related Vocabulary Step 7: Plan Engaging Learning Experiences

STEPS TO DESIGNING A UNIT