Research has demonstrated that student success is tied to curricula that is appropriately aligned and articulated, and in compliance with all state and national standards. The Board of Education supports and encourages development of a District-wide, articulated curriculum that conforms to state mandates and is responsive to the needs of children in a rapidly changing society. In order to help our students achieve success, the District will ensure that:
a) All curriculum is aligned with New York State Learning standards;
b) Approved curriculum is taught in every classroom.
The Principals and District Directors at the elementary and secondary schools shall be responsible to the Superintendent for developing District-wide efforts toward the short and long-range improvement of curriculum and instruction. The administration is directed to ensure the implementation of this policy.
Curriculum Resources
There are many resources for curriculum development that exist in our School District, and the instructional staff, under the guidance of the administration, is expected to delve into those resources for possible improvement of the instructional program. Each teacher has the privilege of being an initiator of improvement, as well as a reactor to changing conditions, and the administration shall be involved in curriculum development.
Curriculum Evaluation
The Board of Education shall direct a continuing evaluation of the curriculum as part of a program of instructional improvement. All aspects of the curriculum shall be subjected to a searching and critical analysis in an attempt to improve the learning and growth of students.
The administration and faculty shall work together to evaluate the curriculum in a systematic manner involving school personnel and others as appropriate and make periodic recommendations for action by the Board. The Board of Education from time to time may invite teachers or others to discuss the curriculum.
The purposes of evaluation of instructional programs are to:
- Identify instructional strengths and weaknesses;
- Show the relationship between student performance and the school system’s state goals; and
- Provide information needed for advance planning;
- Provide data for public information;
- Check on the suitability of the instructional program in terms of community requirements.
The school district’s mission statement and student exit outcomes provide the basic foundation and targets for any assessment of instructional programs. All evaluations shall include an assessment of the instructional program’s ability to contribute to the mission statement and student exit outcomes.
Evaluation of the Instructional Program
The Board of Education expects staff members to maintain a continual program of evaluation at every level to determine the extent of progress toward the schools’ objectives. The Board of Education will periodically request the Superintendent to present factual information that it considers necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the School System.
Education Law Sections 1604, 1709, 2503 and 3204
8 NYCRR Section 100.2(m)
Adopted October 24, 2017