Curriculum & Educational Services
The Curriculum Department is committed to continuous improvement in the delivery of a quality curriculum, using best instructional practices and utilizing valid local, state and national assessments. In keeping with the alignment of the Wissahickon School District Strategic Plan, we believe in maximizing the academic achievement of every student, as well as eliminating the achievement gap.
Within our department, we also focus on professional development. The ultimate goal of professional development is to support teachers in reflecting on and improving their practice and, thereby, raising student achievement. To that end, the following objectives are expected for each staff developer:
- To become a peer-coach and work intensively with identified teachers within a building
- To provide support to other teachers in the building as a resource person
- To help coordinate building-based professional development
- To serve as a member of a school's data team
- To serve on the Act 48 Professional Development Council
- To provide district-wide professional development
- To become an active contributor to the professional development team
Professional development will assist learning communities and district personnel at all levels in the study of instruction. The process assists in developing a "community of learners", and engaging teachers in on-going, self-directed learning is the priority. Opportunities for professional development are offered on both a district-wide basis and an individual school level. The targeted professional development plans focused on assisting teachers with the faithful implementation of their curriculum, facilitating the integration of 21st century technology, working with elementary encore teachers, and supporting inclusion. These plans are meant as guides, not as checklists of topics to be completed.
The purpose of student assessment is to administer all local, state, and national testing programs. This includes ensuring that needed assessment materials are provided, ensuring that testing programs are administered properly, training school testing proctors and coordinators, scoring tests, and reporting results. Data driven decisions are made frequently on interpreting and using the results to improve instruction and to increase student achievement.
