To
ensure that school districts across the state are providing
a high level of education to all students, Washington developed
Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs). EALRs are
broad statements of expected learning. Within the EALRs are
Grade Level Expectations (GLEs), which describe the skill or
process to be learned within subject areas. School Districts
must align their curriculum with these EALRs and GLEs to meet
the standard of education that the State feels is essential.
Measurement of how well school districts are complying is assessed
by the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).
Curriculum Development Teams
The
Nine Mile Falls School District forms teams of teachers to review
current student performance in their curricular area in Kindergarten
through grade 12. To ensure continuity, teachers from each grade
level are involved on each team. The goal of these teams
is the continuous improvement of student
learning.
The
scope
of
their
work includes
review of
and recommendations for modifications in instruction, course offerings,
professional development, assessment, and instructional resources,
including textbooks, supplemental materials, and technology.
The
District also has Critical Friends Groups (a national organization).
"These groups provide ongoing, authentic professional development
that helps teachers reflect on and analyze their teaching and
offer collegial support in a safe collaborative group," as
explained by National Board Certified Teacher, Mrs. Linda St.
Clair in her
article in Educational Leadership. To read this article
for more information on Critical Friends Groups, go to http://www.ascd.org
Publications
link, Educational Leadership link, archived issue link, September
2007, Readers’ Round
Table.
