Curriculum Notes

Lots of folks have asked me if it's the same or different here. My head has, up to now, been unable to know where to begin. It's the same. Math is math (except math is 'maths'). But no, it's different. I think it's all in the organization of it, that's all.

Take math, for example. We dedicate the same amount of time weekly. We use small group work, whole class lessons, independent practice, and assessments, both formal and anecdotal. The difference here is that all strands are taught as one goes along. One week includes two skills, at least, and when the cycle finishes, it begins again. So, one week on money/addition to 20, one week on measurement/multiplication, one week on subtraction to 20/space skills, etc.

Albany has taken a different approach recently. We have a shorter list of skills to teach over a longer period of weeks. Depth, not breadth, is the idea. Oregon also uses a math curriculum text with teachers' editions and independent workbooks, resource books, and assessment forms.

Here we are given a set of maths books with the skills changing with every page. It means that each week the set of maths games changes, the stations change, the manipulatives change(all of which are designed by or borrowed from teachers), and the kids are getting review throughout the year. That is, if they got it the first time. Reteaching and solidifying a strand is harder to schedule in.

All of the subjects are covered in a state-wide curriculum that one must adhere to. Each teacher must justify their lessons every week and match them to the curriculum. We turn in a "Program," which indicates all of the strands addressed, lessons taught, and materials used, including student outcomes and assessments. These accumulate in a big, thick binder! Talk about great year to year lessons! But it's like doing a full work sample every year!

Report cards are coming up soon for us. These seem to look exactly like ours in the states. I'll let you know how the process compares! People tell me to batton down the hatches and prepare for long weekends on the computer. Sounds familiar so far!