Purpose

 

The Board recognizes the need and value of a systematic, ongoing program of curriculum review and development. The Board shall encourage and support the professional staff in its efforts to investigate new curricular ideas, develop and improve programs, and evaluate results. In order to ensure high-quality curriculum and to be responsive to the school community and state requirements, the Board sets forth this policy to be followed by the Superintendent and professional staff.

 

 

Definition

 

Curriculum is defined as the program devised by local school districts used to prepare students to meet standards. The curriculum consists of activities and lessons at each grade level, instructional materials, and various instructional techniques. It specifies the details of the day-to-day schooling at the local level.

 

 

Curriculum Philosophy

 

The curriculum of the District shall be developed by teachers and administrators, with input from members of the community and experts from outside of the District, in a manner consistent with the District's Long Range Plan.

 

The Board seeks to ensure that each student receives an outstanding education that equips and inspires students to conquer their challenges now and in the future by: 1) utilizing instructional programs that are based on research, best practices and other objective data; 2) emphasizing district-wide instruction of key basic skills in all curricular areas; and 3) integrating reading and writing skills at all grade levels and across all content areas. The Board requires that each student achieve basic standards for satisfactory advancement, particularly in progressing from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school. Since initiative and flexibility in instructional techniques are encouraged, the Board recognizes that teaching methods may vary from school to school and from class to class.

 

The curriculum shall emphasize the core knowledge and skills that are necessary for students who plan to pursue further education in college or technical/vocational school, and for students who plan to enter the workforce. The curriculum must be responsive to the demands of the future workplace.

 

 

Alignment

 

The curriculum shall be documented in Curriculum Guides that shall be developed by administration in electronic format. The design and implementation of the written curriculum shall be aligned with: 1) the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards established by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction; 2) state federal laws, guidelines and mandates; 3) the taught curriculum as presented to students by teachers; and 4) the tested curriculum as determined by student assessments. Tests prepared by teachers, standardized tests and other assessment tools shall be aligned with the written and taught curriculum. The curriculum, along with the design and development of the curriculum, shall be aligned with the Long Range Plan of the District.

 

 

Resource Allocation

 

The Board shall adopt a budget annually that provides the monetary resources to fund the curriculum staff development, instructional resources and student assessments necessary to effectively implement the curriculum. The budget development process shall ensure that the requirements, goals, and priorities identified in this policy, are considered in the preparation of budget proposals. Any decisions related to reductions or increases in curriculum funding should be addressed in light of the identified requirements, goals, and priorities.

 

 

Board Adoption

 

The Board shall officially adopt the curriculum.

118.01, 118.24, Wis. Stats.

 

Approved/Adopted:  July 13, 2009