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July 2007
New Plan for Curriculum and Instruction
Teachers, Principals, District Leaders Provide Input
Cohn talks with employees
Superintendent Carl Cohn collaborates with other district employees on ideas and strategies to help accelerate student performance.
The mission of the Curriculum and Instruction Division is simple, according to Executive Director Jennifer Cheatham. “We want to provide our principals and teachers with the help they need to meet the educational needs of every student in every classroom across the district,” says Jennifer. The department is putting the finishing touches on a new strategic approach to curriculum and instruction for the district. The plan will be presented to the Board of Education in July.

Before developing the plan, it was essential to identify and better understand the critical issues facing our schools. To do so, Curriculum and Instruction collected information from a variety of stakeholders (teachers, principals, central office staff, and school board members) through a variety of avenues (individual interviews, group discussions, school visits and an online survey).

Student achievement data was analyzed. Current district practices were compared with those of other urban districts making significant gains in student achievement. All-day retreats were held with a representative group of teachers, principals and central office leaders to collaboratively analyze the data and develop a new, strategic approach to accelerating student performance district-wide.

As a result of this inclusive process, five high priority focus areas have been identified:
  • High expectations for all
  • Standards-based curriculum and instruction
  • Purposeful use of data
  • Ongoing professional learning
  • Strategic support
“My hope is that, beginning this fall, teachers will experience support that is much more strategic and aligned with their needs,” says Jennifer. “The new plan will be regularly monitored by a team of teachers, principals and central office leaders to discuss progress towards measurable goals, identify barriers, and make adjustments as needed.”

Look for more information in upcoming issues of Staff Bulletin.