We know right now administrators are hard at work making the big decisions about next year’s curriculum and resources. Recent research suggests that there is a significantly positive correlation between a knowledge-rich curriculum, effective instructional support in delivering it, and a robust school culture. The Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy has designed numerous resources (and undertaken associated research evaluations) to support a much-needed shift towards this powerfully integrated approach to education. This month, we’d like to share this research and these resources with you as you make the big decisions regarding curriculum and change at your school.
How strong is your school culture?
School culture serves as the foundation for several important domains of school performance. A strong, coherent school culture is linked to…
- Favorable civic outcomes such as increased political engagement and higher levels of tolerance.
- Favorable academic outcomes such as college enrollment or workforce participation.
- The successful implementation of school improvement
Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy has designed a set of tools that address these critical issues from different angles, providing both an evaluation of where schools currently are and a baseline against which to measure continuous improvement.
- School Culture 360™ – a school survey instrument that produces an “under the hood” analysis of behaviors and beliefs that influence student success. Cost for schools: $675.
- Teacher Surveys on Curriculum Use – survey that creates a full picture of teachers’ use of curriculum materials and their satisfaction level with those materials. Cost for schools: $700.
- For information about either of these surveys contact Dr. Carol Macedonia cmacedo3@jhu.edu.
Looking for rigorous and knowledge-rich curriculum?
The implementation of a knowledge-rich curriculum in grades K-12 is critical to positive academic achievement. Here are a few high quality curriculum programs for your consideration.
- Wilson FUNdations: From Wilson Language Training, this foundational and early reading intervention curriculum is designed for students in K-3 grade.
- Great Minds
- Wit & Wisdom: K-12 ELA Curriculum focused on building knowledge of the world and important topics. Click here to learn more!
- Eureka Math: K-12 Math Curriculum helping students gain a deeper understanding of the why behind the numbers, while making math more enjoyable to learn!
Why does knowledge rich curriculum and strong school culture matter?
- Research backs knowledge-rich curriculum and strong school culture! Click here to learn more.
- Knowledge-rich curriculum is a game changer for low-income students. Check out Natalie Wexler’s book, “The Knowledge Gap” to learn how!
We will be discussing the School Culture 360™ and Curriculum options in more detail at our Statewide School Leadership webinar on February 23rd. Click here to register!
To view more resources click here!