Curriculum provides opportunities to study topics in-depth. This indicator measures the extent to which students have opportunities to study topics in-depth.

If students are to achieve a deep understanding and an appreciation for rich knowledge, they must have the opportunity to use what is familiar to them. This will enable them to construct new ideas, integrate what they have learned, and learn more complex concepts.

Background information on curriculum is available at the end of this section.

1. What evidence is there that teachers who teach at the same grade level or in the same subject area agree on the differences between “covering basic facts, concepts, and procedures,"and teaching a topic in-depth? What is the common understanding?
   
   
2. How should the curriculum change to ensure progressive, in-depth understanding in a subject area within and across grades? On what issues must teachers agree? What supports do teachers need to accomplish the changes identified?
   
   
3. In what ways do your school’s assessment practices promote in-depth learning? If there is no evidence of this, discuss what should be changed.