In today’s schools many teachers feel they have no say in curriculum development because of the Standards of Learning. Many veteran teachers state that they no longer have any control over what they teach, while younger teachers define the SOL’s as the curriculum. This perception seems to dampen morale and overtime can lessen the feeling of investment among faculty. Olivia states, “curriculum leaders must try to develop pride in the group as a team organization by promoting team morale…”
In a time where the SOL’s truly do dictate a large part of what we teach, how can we involve teachers more and make all stakeholders feel invested in the curriculum development process?
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I really like the idea of stakeholders serving on curriculum advisory committees. However, I think that it would be crucial for these committees to change after so many years. It would be important to get a wide range of opinions and information from multiple groups in order to make the best curriculum decisions for the schools.
ReplyDeleteI think that Interpersonal Relations and Communication Skills would be wonderful professional development topics!
I think it is important to keep teachers involved in the curriculum process as much as possible. Teachers need to be invested in the curriculum that will be taught otherwise there isn't ownership in the outcomes. If you keep your teachers involved in the aspects of planning and implementing the curriculum then it is much more likely to be a successful endeavor.
ReplyDeleteWith the SOL's dictating what we have to teach, it is certainly nice to have some say in HOW we will teach the standards, and also deciding WHEN it is best taught throughout the year.
Good thoughts, keep thinking about ISLLC 1 and stakeholder issues encompassed in that standard.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important to make teachers feel involved in the process of developing curriculum. I believe teachers should be allowed to take part in the process of development directly. When teachers have a say in what, when, and how they teach, a sense of pride and accomplishment is very encouraging. Teachers are with students every day. Knowing the students and understanding students in today's world of technology is an advantage in having a vision on their needs. Teachers and stakeholders alike, working together as one, is needed in developing what's best for our generation of children.
ReplyDeleteI agree that having the stakeholders' be involved is very crucial to the curriculum development process. Ashley made a good point by mentioning the change in those serving on the committees. I think it's important to involve those who are new, as well as old, to the process, and to change it up as those who stay on it too long might not notice things that need to be changed. It is important to involve students and parents, as well as any other community members, on those committees as well.
ReplyDeleteI too see curriculum committees as being an effective way to involve teachers and other stakeholders. Many teachers do feel like they are on the outside looking in and these committees could help. The people on these committees should be volunteers which will allow the people who want to be involved to be involved.
ReplyDeleteGabe L.
All stakeholders need to feel like they have an ownership in the curriculum. Developing curriculum is much like developing a vision. Stakeholders need to have a part in it. The same is true of the other elements of ISLLC 1.
ReplyDeleteEven though we might have a committee, others need to have an active part. There needs to be ample opportunities for everyone to share their ideas and to be informed of possible changes. If they feel valued then the curriculum will be valued.
Amanda Yarber
I think it is important to listen to all stakeholders and then acknowledge their ideas and suggestions. Sometimes it is difficult to have preconceived notions before we try to involve others in the process. Such notions can cloud the ability of accepting and acting on great fresh ideas.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing instructional leaders can do to allow teachers a greater sense of ownership is allow the opportunities to serve on regional and state planning committees. Yes, such opportunities are more limited, but when they are there we should encourage our teachers to take advantage so their (and our voices) can be represented.
Sherry Greer
Great points about participation and stakeholder involvement.
ReplyDeleteWhile the SOL's guide much of our curriculum, I think we can be involved in curriculum development through our subject area team meetings. "only the teachers, by their presence at the classroom level, can ensure that curricular plans are carried out." As administratiors, we need to "empower" our teachers to participate actively in curriculum development as it relates to meeting the standards and vision for student learning.
ReplyDeleteWe can involve teachers and stakeholders in curriculum advisory committees. Teachers can be invested by having subject and team committees to coordinate how curriculum will be taught at thier school and district. They can be invested by being involved in textbook selection and pacing guides.
ReplyDeleteJudy Willis
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ReplyDeleteI believe school administrators should encourage teachers to become involved in curriculum planning at the state level. Many times the Virginia Department of Education will hold workshops on Standards of Learning modifications. If teachers are unable to take part in this process personally, they should at least try to lobby changes by talking to local representatives that have some input on the Standards of Learning.
ReplyDeleteAs a future administrator, I feel that there should be a "secondary curriculum" that focuses strictly on the instruction of the Standards of Learning. If teachers have no real flexibility in the material they teach, they should have flexibility in the methods in which they teach the curriculum. Teachers could gather whole-group in a staff-development setting where they can bounce ideas off of each other with various means of instruction such as using SmartBoard activities, Streaming Videos, hands-on assessments, as well as other technological tools (such as the CPS system). Not only would this equip teachers with fresh instructional ideas, it would also help all teachers with differentiating instruction
I believe that it is very important to involve administrators, teachers, parents, and students in curriculum development. I feel that students know how they learn, and it is important to include their opinions when developing the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI too beleve that you should include stakeholders but to a certain extent. We have to understand that we as educators know a little more about curriculum than do most of the stakeholders therefore their participation should be limited. For the most part, I believe that the role of the stakeholder as far as a curriculum committee is concerned should exist as informational only. I agree to let the stakeholders know what is being discussed and where the committee is leaning but like I said earlier, the knowledge of curriculum comes with the educators and we should carry the majority of the responsibility of deciding the route to take when it comes to curriculum.
ReplyDeleteRandy Sturgill
I believe stakeholders should serve on curriculum committees, including teacher stakeholders. Who would know this better? We should realaize that as changes occur in education, the curriculum must also change. If all stakeholder groups are included in the curriculum prcess, how can we go wrong in the process of promoting the success of each child?
ReplyDeletePaul Love
I agree with Bo that as the needs of society change, the curriculum must also change. Therefore, all stakeholders must be included in the curriculum process.
ReplyDeleteBJ Lasley
Although the SOLs dictate a major segment of our curriculum, I think we should strive to expand and enhance what we teach. By that, I mean we solicit the input of teachers and other stakeholders about what they believe is important, and then incorporate that into the curriculum. The SOLs do mandate what we must teach, but they do not limit us to only those standards. By working collaboratively and creatively, we can enrich the curriculum--and the experience of the students--without sacrificing the integrity of the state-mandated standards.
ReplyDeleteIn the initial statement, the generalizatioon was made that new teachers look at the SOLs as being the curriculum, while veteran teachers lament the lack of control over what they now must teach. In order to capitalize on the vigor of the younger group and the experience of the seasoned veterans, we as school leaders must work to meld the strengths of the two groups in curriculum development. In working together, they can take ownership of the evolving curriculum they construct, while at the same time building morale within their ranks.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is important to include stakeholders in the curriculum development process however it needs to only be to an extent to which it does not have a negative effect on instruction.
ReplyDeleteI also think teachers need to be involved in the curriculum process, serving on committees and helping with pacing guides for their subject area.
ReplyDeleteKimberly Ringstaff