Do you have the right blueprints for curriculum success?

Have you ever heard of a home builder constructing a house without architectural blueprints? Probably not. Blueprints provide a detailed technical plan to guide the contractor to a successful build. Similarly, curriculum provides school districts with a plan to guide instruction and the student experience. Developing the right blueprints for a successful school year requires vision, strategy, tactics, and teamwork.

Vision

Successful curriculum initiatives begin with a strong vision developed and articulated by district leadership. A unified, curriculum-centric mentality that is clearly communicated from the top is critical for implementation, improvement, and advancement. School board members, superintendents, and key district leaders must champion the cause to ensure adoption and sustainability. Additionally, top leaders must develop instructional leadership at each level to build capacity and ensure curriculum is implemented with fidelity.

Strategy

Although daily tactical responsibilities can easily consume a school principal’s time, it is imperative that school building leaders adopt the role of instructional leader to support the district vision for curriculum. Curriculum is the foundation on which extraordinary schools and successful students are built. Engaging in regular classroom observations will help principals verify that lessons and activities are in sync with district curriculum.  

Tactics

There is no doubt that teachers are one of the most significant factors of student success and the masters of their kingdom – their classrooms. Teacher tacticians must participate in curriculum planning and practice curriculum-based instruction that is aligned with standards, as well as the district vision. The magic really happens when teachers are empowered to move beyond compliance to fully committed curriculum experts.

Teamwork

Vision, strategy, and tactics alone will not ensure a successful, coordinated curriculum practice. Throughout the process, stakeholders at every level must be given ample time to work together to look upstream, monitor the system, and engage in a cycle of continuous improvement. Clearly communicating the big picture and inviting collaboration will increase efficiency, reduce lost learning from year to year, and ensure vertical alignment.  

Curriculum is the cornerstone for creating the blueprint for a unified educational experience. Clear communication from curriculum champions can help close the gap between grand visions from the top – the strategy – and the reality in the trenches – the tactics. Everyone in your district, from the directors to the bus drivers, should understand the curriculum blueprint and be fully committed to student success.