520 Curriculum Implementation Philosophy
520 Curriculum Implementation Philosophy
520 Curriculum Implementation Philosophy
Joan E. Hammond
Lisset Pickens
February 2, 2022
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My school serves students in TK-4th grade. One of our expectations is the implementation
of the district adopted curriculum in every classroom with fidelity. The instruction using
curricular materials is supported through ongoing professional development for all staff involved
(Hammond, 2017). The goal of this implementation is to guide students toward mastering the
skills and knowledge listed in the Common Core grade-level standards. Committees made up of
administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and community members plan and evaluate
PSEL Standard 4 includes the idea that curriculum should assist student learning and be
culturally inclusive (Reston, 2015). When evaluating new curriculum several criteria must be
satisfied. The text, pictures, and content should reflect the diversity of our students and our
surrounding community. These must be presented in an authentic manner that helps each student
feel seen and be able to make a connection with the material. There should be resources to assist
with the instruction of our English language learners to help them learn in their best way. Based
on previous data, these resources need to have a way to help our students with vocabulary
acquisition. In this way we can meet their needs to help them progress through the levels to be
able to be re-designated as a fluent learner. Each of our students needs to be provided with the
instruction that will help them to become socially and academically successful.
Curriculum is a tool that should be used to help our students learn how to learn. An
integral part of instruction is finding out what each student needs to be able to make progress and
finding ways to meet that need (Glatthorn et. al., 2016). When evaluating and piloting new
programs, these ideas need to be accounted for. Does the curriculum have components to assist
as teachers plan to differentiate for individual students? Are there resources that can be used to
teach in small and whole group settings, with scaffolds for those that need them? Are there
opportunities for enrichment for those students who need to be challenged? Will the program and
its various components lend themselves to instruction that supports as well as enhances what is
needed by each student in the classroom (Reston, 2015)? Are there approaches for multi-tiered
student support? These should all be considered as part of the rubric that is used during selection
Philosophy: Technology
Part of the Common Core Standards includes the concept preparing students for college
and career skills. The use of technology is one method toward achieving this goal (Francis,
2018). Many new curricular programs include digital components for staff and students. Students
can access their texts as well as activities and lessons which may be useful for review and/ or
reinforce what has been shared through teacher instruction. This was especially useful during the
recent time when it was necessary to hold virtual/ online instruction. Having access to this
technology was crucial to continuing the learning process for our students while they improved
various skills necessary for future use. Video and audio clips are also helpful to help with student
understanding and engagement. The digital resources for teachers and other support staff can be
used to assign activities online, as well as assisting with the collaboration, planning, and
assessment process for lesson integration. Technology may also be helpful for professional
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As part of our school vision, our curriculum should give each student experiences and
strategies through hands on and technological lessons to be able to work together toward the goal
of the mastery of grade level standards. We should find ways to meet the needs presented by the
demographics and diversity of the students and community we serve (Glatthorn et. al. 2016).
Any changes or updates to current programs should be analyzed with predetermined goals in
mind (Dotoli & Scanfeld, 2018). We pledge to help our students make progress with high-quality
instruction, assisted by the tools provided by carefully selected curriculum. Staff must be
provided with adequate training and opportunities for collaboration to provide the best
instruction experiences for our students (Francis, 2018). Curriculum is an important piece of
References
Dotoli, V., & Scanfeld, V. (2018). Teacher-Driven Curriculum Development: Do your teachers
Leadership, 19(2), 48–52.
Glatthorn, A. A., Jailall, J. M., & Jailall, J. K. (2016). The Principal as Curriculum Leader:
Leadership, 18(3), 48–51.
Reston, V.A. (2015). Professional Standards for Educational Leaders. National Policy Board for
Educational Administration.