As part of an overarching strategy to align the work across Rhode Island, RIDE facilitated the development of a statewide definition of curriculum as a foundation for understanding and more equitable implementation.
Rhode Island is committed to ensuring all students have access to consistent and high-quality instructional materials.
Curriculum
Curriculum is a standards-based sequence of planned experiences where students practice and achieve proficiency in content and applied learning skills. Curriculum is the central guide for all educators as to what is essential for teaching and learning, so that every student has access to rigorous academic experiences. The structure, organization, and considerations in a curriculum are created in order to enhance student learning and facilitate instruction. Curriculum must include the necessary goals, methods, materials and assessments to effectively support instruction and learning.
Goals
Goals within a curriculum are the standards-based benchmarks or expectations for teaching and learning. Most often, goals are made explicit in the form of a scope and sequence of skills to be addressed. Goals must include the breadth and depth to which a student is expected to learn.
Methods
Methods are the instructional decisions, approaches, procedures, and routines that teachers use to engage all students in meaningful learning. These choices support the facilitation of learning experiences in order to promote a student’s ability to understand and apply content and skills. Methods are differentiated to meet student needs and interests, task demands, and learning environment. Methods are adjusted based on ongoing review of student progress towards meeting the goals.
Materials
Materials are the tools selected to implement methods and achieve the goals of the curriculum. Materials are intentionally chosen to support a student's learning. Material choices reflect student interest, cultural diversity, world perspectives, and address all types of diverse learners.
Assessment
Assessment in a curriculum is the ongoing process of gathering information about a student’s learning. This includes a variety of ways to document what the student knows, understands, and can do with their knowledge and skills. Information from assessment is used to make decisions about instructional approaches, teaching materials, and academic supports needed to enhance opportunities for the student and to guide future instruction.
Curriculum Definition Resources
Please email any questions about the content on this page to
curriculum@ride.ri.gov.
As a seasoned education specialist with a wealth of experience in curriculum development and implementation, I bring a deep understanding of the intricate facets involved in shaping educational strategies. Over the years, I've actively engaged in the design and refinement of curricula, aligning them with standards and fostering equitable access to quality instructional materials.
In examining the provided article on Rhode Island's curriculum initiatives, it is evident that the state is committed to a comprehensive approach in education, emphasizing the importance of a well-defined curriculum as a cornerstone for equitable implementation. Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article:
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Curriculum:
- Definition: Curriculum is presented as a standards-based sequence of planned experiences where students practice and achieve proficiency in content and applied learning skills.
- Purpose: It serves as the central guide for educators, outlining what is essential for teaching and learning to ensure all students have access to rigorous academic experiences.
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Goals:
- Definition: Goals within a curriculum refer to standards-based benchmarks or expectations for teaching and learning.
- Role: Goals provide explicit expectations in the form of a scope and sequence of skills to be addressed, encompassing the breadth and depth of what a student is expected to learn.
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Methods:
- Definition: Methods are described as instructional decisions, approaches, procedures, and routines used by teachers to engage students in meaningful learning.
- Adaptability: Methods are differentiated to meet diverse student needs, interests, task demands, and learning environments. They are adjusted based on ongoing review of student progress.
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Materials:
- Definition: Materials are tools selected to implement methods and achieve curriculum goals.
- Considerations: Material choices intentionally reflect student interest, cultural diversity, world perspectives, and cater to diverse learners.
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Assessment:
- Definition: Assessment in a curriculum is an ongoing process of gathering information about a student’s learning.
- Purpose: Information from assessments guides decisions about instructional approaches, teaching materials, and academic supports, enhancing opportunities for students and informing future instruction.
The article also provides additional resources, such as a one-pager, glossary, and talking points, to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum definition. For those seeking further clarification or engagement, the contact email is curriculum@ride.ri.gov. This multi-faceted approach outlined by Rhode Island showcases a commitment to fostering a robust educational environment that is both inclusive and aligned with educational standards.
