Chapter 19: Curriculum Design

  • What makes a curriculum a good one?  
  • What in the curriculum is non-negotiable in our district in terms of content, instructional approach, materials, etc.?  
  • Where can I make choices and add/modify curriculum based on my learner’s needs?
  • How can I be a productive contributor to curriculum development groups [“old and new model”]?
  • What should administrators look for regarding curriculum during class visits and observations that will inform productive coaching conversations?
     

Curriculum is a set of public agreements about what students should learn and what good teaching should look like.

A well-designed curriculum is not just about the content, but also about how that content is delivered in a way that engages students and helps them succeed.

The key to good curriculum design is not just aligning with standards, but ensuring that the tasks are rigorous, relevant, and scaffolded to meet the needs of all learners.

Curriculum design is not static; it requires constant reflection and adaptation based on student needs, district goals, and best practices in teaching.