Mathematics and science curricula aligned to the state standards and sequenced across grade levels is an ARSI indicator of a high quality school district. Several MU catalyst districts targeted development of such a curriculum as a major goal for this school year.
In support of that goal, ARSI MU Resource Collaborative sponsored a curriculum development training, facilitated by ARSI Project Director Dr. Stephan Henderson.
ARSI will assist districts in developing a written curriculum that is available to all teachers and used regularly in planning instruction and assessment. The document would include:
** alignment to the state frameworks
** scope and sequence of units/topics for each grade level or course with major student outcomes that are developmentally appropriate
** development of major concepts that build on prior grades and lead into higher grades
** linkage to currently used instructional materials (both adopted and other generally available supplements)
** statement/description of instruction and assessment models consistent with state standards and local program philosophy
** suggestions for assessments linked to units
** suggestions for extension activities, field trips, speakers and interdisciplinary links
Participants left the meeting with a draft planning document and preliminary ideas about development of a curriculum instrument in their district.
