Voices from the Field: Tales of Curriculum Adoption
American Reading Company・54 minutes read
Megan Maloney leads a discussion on curriculum adoption in Ansonia, Connecticut, and WKA, Illinois, highlighting the need for systemic approaches and effective communication among stakeholders to enhance K-1 literacy following COVID-19 disruptions. Participants emphasize collaboration, ongoing support for teachers, and the importance of aligning new curricula with achievement data to foster student engagement and improve educational outcomes.
Insights
- Megan Maloney led a discussion on curriculum adoption, featuring insights from district leaders like Amy Casello and Dr. Luke Livingston, who emphasized the need for systemic approaches to literacy and the importance of consistent instructional practices to address challenges posed by COVID-19 and to improve student outcomes.
- The implementation process for the new curriculum involved collaboration among teachers, ongoing professional development, and a literacy leadership committee, ensuring that educators felt supported and included in decision-making, which ultimately fostered a positive cultural shift and improved student engagement through the adoption of high-quality resources.
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Recent questions
What is curriculum adoption?
Curriculum adoption refers to the process by which educational institutions select and implement new curricula or educational materials. This process often involves evaluating existing resources, identifying gaps in student learning, and choosing new materials that align with educational standards and best practices. It typically includes input from various stakeholders, such as teachers, administrators, and sometimes parents, to ensure that the selected curriculum meets the diverse needs of students. Successful curriculum adoption also requires ongoing professional development for educators to effectively implement the new materials and adapt their teaching strategies accordingly.
How can I improve student engagement?
Improving student engagement involves creating a learning environment that fosters interest, motivation, and active participation among students. Strategies to enhance engagement include incorporating diverse and relevant materials that resonate with students' experiences and identities, utilizing interactive teaching methods, and encouraging collaboration among peers. Additionally, providing clear communication about the purpose and benefits of learning activities can help students understand the value of their education. Regular feedback and opportunities for students to express their thoughts and feelings about the curriculum can also contribute to a more engaging and responsive learning atmosphere.
What are effective teaching strategies?
Effective teaching strategies are methods and approaches that enhance student learning and engagement. These strategies can include differentiated instruction, where teachers tailor their teaching to meet the diverse needs of students, and collaborative learning, which encourages students to work together and learn from one another. Incorporating technology and hands-on activities can also make lessons more interactive and relevant. Additionally, establishing clear learning objectives and providing timely feedback helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement. Ultimately, effective teaching strategies aim to create a supportive and dynamic classroom environment that promotes student success.
What is the role of professional development in education?
Professional development in education plays a crucial role in enhancing teachers' skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in the classroom. It provides educators with opportunities to learn about new teaching methods, curriculum changes, and educational technologies. Ongoing professional development ensures that teachers stay current with best practices and can adapt to the evolving needs of their students. It often includes workshops, training sessions, and collaborative learning communities where teachers can share experiences and strategies. By investing in professional development, schools can improve instructional quality, leading to better student outcomes and a more engaged learning environment.
How do I choose the right curriculum?
Choosing the right curriculum involves a thorough evaluation of educational goals, student needs, and available resources. It is essential to consider the alignment of the curriculum with state standards and the specific learning objectives for the students. Engaging stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and parents, in the selection process can provide valuable insights and foster a sense of ownership. Additionally, reviewing data on student performance and feedback from educators can help identify gaps in existing curricula. Ultimately, the right curriculum should be flexible enough to accommodate diverse learning styles while providing a coherent and comprehensive educational experience.
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Summary
00:00
Curriculum Adoption Strategies in Two Districts
- Megan Maloney introduces a discussion on curriculum adoption featuring Ansonia, Connecticut, and WKA, Illinois, focusing on their experiences and implementation strategies for high-quality curricula.
- District leaders from Ansonia include Amy Casello (principal), Aaron Guerrera (literacy coach), and Kayla Jiren (director of literacy), while WKA representatives are Jennifer Fegan (teacher on special assignment), Dr. Luke Livingston (principal), and Becky Mat (assistant superintendent).
- Dr. Irvin Scott, an educational leadership expert from Harvard, facilitates the discussion, emphasizing the importance of hearing from educators involved in curriculum implementation.
- WKA's assistant superintendent Becky Mat highlights the need for a systemic approach to K-1 literacy, driven by achievement data and the overidentification of students needing special education services.
- Dr. Luke Livingston notes the impact of COVID-19 on academic focus and the necessity for consistent instructional practices across the district to ensure student preparedness.
- Jennifer Fegan stresses the importance of communicating the rationale behind curriculum changes to all stakeholders, ensuring everyone understands the purpose and process.
- Kayla Jiren from Ansonia shares that teachers felt the existing curriculum did not meet their or their students' needs, leading to a fragmented approach with various disconnected resources.
- Ansonia's adoption of the American Reading Company curriculum was influenced by Connecticut's 2021 Right to Read legislation, which aligned with the science of reading principles.
- Amy Casello reflects on the cultural shift in Ansonia, where the new curriculum provides appropriate reading materials, fostering student engagement and consistent reading levels across grades.
- Aaron Guerrera emphasizes the positive change in teacher motivation and effectiveness since adopting high-quality resources, addressing previous frustrations with inadequate materials and inconsistent practices.
17:02
Curriculum Change Enhances Student Engagement and Support
- Families appreciate the opportunity for their children to express their identities, fostering strong connections and enhancing student engagement in the curriculum.
- Teachers experienced a smoother transition to the new Arc Core curriculum due to prior familiarity with the EARA leveling system, easing the learning curve.
- Professional development for new teachers included immediate support from consultants and ongoing assistance from art coach Sarah, ensuring teachers felt equipped from day one.
- Collaboration among grade-level teams was crucial, allowing teachers to share strengths and weaknesses, which improved the implementation of new materials and resources.
- Concerns about the curriculum shift were addressed by highlighting the shortcomings of the previous curriculum, emphasizing the need for diverse texts and coherent learning experiences.
- A literacy leadership committee with 40 members, including teachers and administrators, was formed to guide the curriculum revision process, ensuring broad participation and input.
- The pilot program involved 69 teachers, gathering qualitative and quantitative data to assess engagement and effectiveness, with nearly 200 student responses collected.
- Initial training for teachers occurred in June, followed by ongoing support from knowledgeable coaches, ensuring a smooth transition into the new curriculum.
- The implementation process began in January 2023, with a pilot phase from October 2023 to February 2024, culminating in a school board vote in April 2024.
- The principal emphasized the importance of providing teachers with structured options and feedback tools to facilitate informed decision-making during the curriculum adoption process.
32:09
Collaborative Initiative Enhances Classroom Literacy Practices
- All home room teachers participated in the initiative, fostering a collaborative environment where each classroom could adapt the unit to their specific needs while aiming for a positive outcome.
- The literacy committee played a crucial role in managing the project, facilitating communication and encouraging peer discussions, which helped build staff buy-in without a top-down approach.
- During the pilot year, principals accepted some chaos as teachers adjusted to new practices, ultimately leading to a successful implementation phase with positive results.
- After 25 days of school, all classrooms were equipped with necessary resources, indicating effective onboarding and collaboration among staff without delays in unpacking materials.
- Teachers engaged in discussions about assessments and instructional shifts, creating a comfortable environment for changing practices and focusing on student work.
- The pilot involved multiple curriculums, necessitating time for teachers to share experiences and coordinate discussions across different buildings to enhance collaboration.
- The literacy committee's involvement in evaluating materials ensured collective buy-in, making teachers feel included in the decision-making process regarding curriculum adoption.
- Flexibility within the curriculum allowed teachers to incorporate beloved texts, balancing adherence to the framework with personal teaching styles to maintain engagement.
- Funding for the initiative required careful planning, including budget cuts and local fundraising efforts, to manage costs associated with professional development and materials.
- Strategic purchasing decisions were made to prioritize essential resources, ensuring that teachers were not overwhelmed while still providing necessary support for effective curriculum implementation.
47:58
Diverse Funding Enhances Early Education Initiatives
- Funding for educational initiatives came from various sources, including district-aligned funds and community-based foundations, ensuring diverse financial support for programs.
- A combination of grant funding and collaboration with the Board of Aldermen was utilized to manage costs effectively for educational projects.
- The implementation of the EAR and toolkits began in 2017 with a pilot in grade 2, expanding to K-2 by 2020, enhancing early education resources.
- Grades 4 and 5 focused on the Core Curriculum after initial training on EAR and toolkits, allowing for a phased approach to curriculum adoption.
- Strategic planning emphasized gradual implementation, enabling schools to purchase necessary resources over time, reducing financial strain and ensuring effective learning.
- Early collaboration with the Department of Student Services was recommended to enhance budgeting and support for special education teachers involved in co-teaching.
- Focus groups were suggested to gather qualitative feedback from teachers, improving communication and understanding across the five schools in the district.
- Collegial observations were highlighted as essential for sharing best practices and fostering enthusiasm among educators, enhancing the overall learning environment.
- Panelists emphasized the importance of engagement, empowerment, and integration in curriculum implementation, aiming for effective teaching and improved student outcomes.
