Connecticut To Develop Model Curricula, Invest in Teacher-Led Implementation

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) will use federal recovery funding to strengthen core instruction by designing a statewide K-8 model curriculum with aligned high-quality instructional materials. With this step, the state will ensure that all students have access to a high-quality curriculum that helps students build upon their prior knowledge and experience. The Statewide Model Curricula will be made universally accessible on the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Open Education Resource (OER) website in a consistent format for all school districts.

We are spotlighting this practice because it provides a high-quality instructional resource for all districts and is designed to prioritize students’ needs. The use of such high-quality and aligned instructional materials is an evidence-based approach to accelerate learning. An additional innovative aspect to this investment is that the state is incentivizing teacher participation by inviting teacher leaders from each district to receive professional learning and coaching to support implementation in their home district.

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Reviewer Analysis

EdAllies

If aligned to best practices (science of reading, etc.) we see this an effective use of funds. - Matt Shaver

The Rural Alliance

We would encourage the state to provide continuous funding for professional learning, funding for PL time for educators and use the curriculum and PL in teacher/principal preparation programs.

New Leaders

High-quality, aligned instructional materials are a critical, evidence-based practice to improving student learning – making them an OER is great! The investment in professional learning and teacher-led implementation is also encouraging. This can be a great tactic towards building momentum around new curricula when done effectively.

The Education Trust

It is critical for students to have access to high-quality and rigorous curriculum. We support the use of ESSER funds to ensure that all students have access to this curriculum and that it is universally accessible. We encourage CSDE to also ensure the curriculum is culturally-responsive.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center

High quality instruction and materials is always a good bet to support students. Implementation of this (meaning getting rid of bad stuff so that the good stuff is used) needs to be considered and funded.

Jocelyn Pickford

Dedicating these federal funds to a statewide resource like a HQIM-based model curriculum is smart, and CT’s focus on linking HQIM to OER is timely. This has the potential of reaching many more students and teachers statewide.

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About the Author

Chad Aldeman is a nationally recognized expert on education policy, including school finance; teacher preparation, evaluation, and compensation; and state standards, assessment, and accountability. Keep up with Chad on the EduProgess: Unpacked blog.