Improving Standards-Based Learning
A Process Guide for Educational Leaders
- Judy F. Carr - Center for Curriculum Renewal
- Doug Harris - Center for Curriculum Renewal
Although schools and districts across the country have made notable strides in their instructional programs, educators continue to struggle with developing curriculum that addresses each learner's needs and strengths, is aligned to instruction and assessment, supports standards-based learning, and results in increased student learning. In this book, the authors provide a curriculum and improvement process that not only shows school leaders how to design a strong, coherent curriculum but also leads the reader through the critical processes of implementing and then evaluating that curriculum for instructional improvement.
This resource is packed with ready-to-use tools that can be tailored to meet site-specific needs and includes examples from schools and districts, proven strategies, guidelines and worksheets, graphics and vignettes that illustrate key points, and questions that promote reflection. The book addresses key issues, including
- How is curriculum put together?
- Who should be involved and what should be included?
- How should we go about it and how long will it take?
- What should be considered during implementation?
- How is curriculum evaluated?
Whether you are experienced or just getting started, Improving Standards-Based Learning provides an accessible framework with numerous tools for developing a curriculum that can generate substantive improvement in teaching and learning.
“Carr and Harris have laid out a very clear and flexible process for developing a standards-based and learner-centered curriculum. Drawing from their experience working with schools and districts, they have compiled a set of processes, tools, and examples that will be invaluable to those charged with developing or revising curriculum. What makes this book so practical is that each of the stages of the curriculum development process can stand alone. Experienced school leaders can select the tools they need while others have a comprehensive set of procedures to guide them.”
“From two of the best educational consultants who know how to develop and mentor instructional leaders on the successful implementation of standards-based curriculum, this is the best nuts-and-bolts guide for improving teaching and learning in our schools. Carr and Harris have been successful in every school district for which they have consulted. Now we all have access to their wonderful insight and experience in a book that is perfectly laid out with examples and worksheets to guide successful instructional improvement. If you’re serious about instructional leadership, this is the one book you need on your desk.”
"As a school leader, I look for avenues to drive and support school change. This resource is a tool kit for teacher leaders and school leaders to create urgency for change and support change with these planning documents and templates. The work of Harris and Carr remains grounded in teacher leadership, ongoing support for administrators, and relevance. This resource has assisted in our academic turnaround and the building of a team of change agents among teachers and administrators."