Using Power Standards to Build an Aligned Curriculum
A Process Manual
Schools continuously face the challenge of developing a useful, aligned curriculum that can effectively support student achievement and assessment. This book gives administrators and teachers the tools to make it happen. Award-winning educator Joe Crawford describes how to build the aligned curriculum that is so crucial to student success. The key is identifying Power Standards - the most critical skills that all learners must have. These skills are then taught in a logical sequence of instruction throughout the year. Key benefits of this process include:
- A standards-based curriculum developed by teachers and leaders
- Consistent objectives throughout the school
- A common assessment system for measuring student success
- A one-page curriculum outline that eases communication with all stakeholders
This manual is loaded with examples, practical advice, and checklists. Readers also have access to a corresponding Web-based software package that facilitates the process electronically and stores the curriculum plan on the Internet.
"This book will help others create curriculum that will cause lasting change."
"In all of my years leading districts through the curriculum alignment process, this is the first book that I have encountered that makes the process manageable and doable."
"The author has written a clear, step by step handbook on how to select and organize essential curriculum topics. This book is a worthy contribution to the literature on creating coherent curriculum."
"The strategies the author uses in developing and implementing power standards across a district are effective, practical and meaningful. Teachers involved become advocates of true alignment and meaningful assessment: systemically impacting learning. This process reaches all the way to the student desk, where the real learning takes place."
"Joe Crawford is a veteran leader with a track record committed to excellence and equity. These strategies have been applied in some of the most challenging schools in the nation and these practical ideas can be used by teachers and administrators at every level."
"Joe Crawford is a veteran leader with a track record committed to excellence and equity. These strategies have been applied in some of the most challenging schools in the nation and these practical ideas can be used by teachers and administrators at every level."
"This book will allow schools and districts to effectively align standards, curriculum, and assessments to provide continuity among departments and across grade levels."