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Image of students and teacher, top half The KEYS 2.0 Online Action Guide
Image of students and teacher, bottom half Welcome | Introduction | About the KEYS Action Guide
KEY 1 | KEY 2 | KEY 3 | KEY 4 | KEY 5 | KEY 6 | NEXT STEPS | APPENDIX
key 2 INTRODUCTION | TOOLS | RESOURCES | SUCCESS STORIES
Indicators 1 |  2 |  3 |  4 |  5 |  6 |  7 |  8 |  9
KEY 2 - INDICATOR 5
Teachers discuss standards and approaches for curriculum and instruction.

Using this indicator, a team can discern if the school curriculum is aligned with school district and state-defined standards and assessment. This indicator encourages teams to look at teacher involvement in implementing curriculum standards and in the development of new curricula.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
  1. How involved are teachers in schoolwide curriculum issues?

  2. To what extent are teachers involved in curriculum development and standards?

ACTIVITIES
  • Assign a team, including representatives of all stakeholders and an Association representative, to look at curriculum development and standards. Have this team interview teachers to determine if they are actively involved in curriculum issues and if they exchange ideas with the staff on student assessment and performance standards.

  • The team should review the school’s curriculum to determine whether it is aligned with district and state standards, whether student assessment is structured to support learning and performance, and in what direction assessment drives instruction. If you find serious problems, your school team and local affiliate can:
    1. Work with district curriculum offices and resource centers to highlight the importance of alignment.
    2. Sponsor professional development activities on alignment.
    3. Work with teacher preparation institutions to advocate for professional development that prepares teachers to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
    4. Bargain time for teachers to work together on alignment projects.
    5. Raise teachers’ awareness of the importance of alignment and its role in standards-based reform.
 

Welcome | Introduction | About the KEYS Action Guide
KEY 1 | KEY 2 | KEY 3 | KEY 4 | KEY 5 | KEY 6 | NEXT STEPS | APPENDIX

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