By Staff
When my children were young and we were traveling to a far destination (anything over 15 minutes in their minds), the question, "Are we there yet?" came up multiple times.
They had no way of knowing because they did not have access to the map, no clue on distance and little interest in driving.
Learning is like going on a very long trip.
When reviewing the studies of effective school practices, the importance of a well-planned curriculum that is monitored frequently is consistently mentioned.
The curriculum is a key component in the learning process of all students. It is the map in K-12 education.
It must be based on clear goals and objectives.
These learning goals are transformed into instructional activities (the car or other vehicle that one is driving) and student assessments (spot checks along the trip and the final destination).
When all three elements are in tight alignment, student achievement increases.
We get to our destination, making good time, we are safeand we are ready to enjoy the goal of our travel.
This alignment does not happen by itself.
It is developed through a deliberate, intentional process of vertical articulation.
Vertical articulation occurs between and among grade levels and building levels.
Key academic concepts and skills associated with mastery in any content area must be articulated and reinforced at each grade level.
This will insure that over time students will acquire a depth of knowledge and understanding in the core academic content areas, as well as the non-core areas.
The scope and sequence of each content area is designed and articulated so that each year of learning builds upon the next, thus insuring that there are no gaps in the learning of any student.
Dowagiac Union Schools believes in a comprehensive vertical articulation process.
Grades K-5 meet six times during the school year.
All of the elementary grades meet as a whole and then divide into grade levels for meetings.
Discussion centers on curriculum, instruction, instructional materials, assessments and any other educational topic that impacts student achievement.
Data is discussed on a regular basis whether it is MEAP, NWEA or classroom assessments.
We are constantly checking to see if we are on course. If these checks are positive, students making learning gains, then we continue.
If the checks show little or negative growth, we stop and analyze the problems and make adjustments to the trip.
Our secondary grades, 6-12, are initiating similar meetings in this school year.
Department chairpersons will meet two times and all secondary teaching staff will meet twice as well.
The discussions will be the same as those discussed in the lower grades with the additional topic of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
This state-mandated curriculum for grades 9-12, starting with the class of 2011, has tremendous implications for our students.
Preparation for the rigorous curriculum begins far earlier than ninth grade.
Therefore, staff in grades 6-12 need to work together to make sure that the curriculum map is correct and being followed.
In February, 2009, the entire staff K-12 will come together and meet in subject groups to discuss curriculum, instruction and assessments.
This crucial activity will help to answer the ultimate question, "Are we there yet?"