Creative Options for High Quality Training in Quality Curriculum Design

by Dr. Ann Johnson
Director of Professional Development
Curriculum Designers, Inc.

Curriculum Designers is excited about the work we are currently doing with several state departments, regional centers, independent schools and public schools both in the United States and internationally. The work with the Department of Education in Alaska is just one example of how we have worked to tailor the training to fit the needs of schools in a specific state.

In Alaska, Curriculum Designers is working with the DOE on a major curriculum alignment project with schools across the state. This specific project has involved taking the standards in math and reading and working with representatives from the schools to "unpack the standards" to identify the core content and the critical skills that need to be taught so students can demonstrate their understanding of the standards. In addition to “unpacking the standards”, Curriculum Designers’ consultants also have conducted training in checking alignment to avoid gaps and repetitions and ensure a scaffolding of skills; integrating higher-order thinking and 21st Century Skills; and aligning high quality assessments and developmentally appropriate activities with the critical skills.

Participants in the institute found the framework so helpful; they requested the state to continue the work in other curricular areas. Representatives from the DOE are now expanding the process with lead teachers and school leaders from the original group. Schools will then use framework as the foundational core to strengthen the alignment in their own schools and add the 21st Century Skills needed for the future.

Curriculum Designers' consultants have also worked with the schools to develop an implementation plan back to take the strategies and processes back to own schools. We have also provided follow-up training in targeted areas via Web EX to address questions with to help support their implementation efforts as they work staff in their own schools.

In addition to the work in Alaska, Curriculum Designers is also working with several other state departments, regional centers, and school systems to help them design Leadership Academies which will help them expand the capacity in their own organizations to implement change long terms. These Academies include onsite training as well as follow-up coaching via videoconferencing, web seminars, and skype. The critical phases to mapping featured in the soon to be released new book by Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs and Dr. Ann Johnson, “Professional Development for Curriculum Mapping: Training Modules and Maps for Effective Implementation” (ASCD) serve as organizational strands for the Leadership Academies.

We are committed to working with organizations in creative ways to design high quality training that help schools and organizations continue their school improvement efforts during these economic challenges. Contact us today so we can help you design your training.