Persistent Problem

My persistent problem pertains to the issue of whether or not a locally developed  curriculum guide/map would be worth the investment of time and resources in my district. Would it help solve the constant question I hear daily of “What do I teach”? Could it establish vertical alignment so there aren’t gaps and redundancies. Would it help bridge the standards to targets in a learning progression, lessons and outcomes (formative assessment)?   If so, how should this guide/map be developed and what format should it be in?  Then what?  How to we use the guide/map to review the what/why and how and determine if we keep, cut or create aspects of our curriculum?

I am on the front lines with teachers daily in many grade levels making decision regarding what to teach, how to teach it and why it is important.  I clearly see that we need something to facilitate this communication between ourselves, with our students and their parents. 

I’m not really sure what the research says regarding to have a map or not to have a map but clearly it must be best practice.  We are a google search away from other schools in other districts in other states and countries that have done just that.  Entire books have been written regarding curriculum mapping. Getting Results with Curriculum Mapping and The Curriculum Mapping Planner were written by Heidi Jacobs. Evidence enough for me that this is a smashing idea.

The only idea I have as I write this blog is that I have to talk first with my Director of Instruction who has not wanted to have such a document.  I do understand her concerns that they drill down to skills to quickly, don’t consider the needs of students and are often dead before they are finished. So my plan is to offer the option of a curriculum menu rather than a map or guide.  More to come in my paperJ