Office of Instruction and Curriculum

Laura Williamson

Executive Director of Instruction and Curriculum
 
Prince Edward County Public Schools Instructional Process
Our instructional process includes the following components:
* Curriculum scope and sequence aligned to the standards of learning
* Benchmark assessment aligned to the standards of learning and scope and sequence
* Model of delivery of instruction
* Classroom walkthrough
* Analysis of data
* Targeted professional development
* Re-alignment of resources to support the instructional focus
* Intervention to assist students
Some of these components in some way or another are in our school division; however, on a frequent basis school divisions must engage in the process of aligning their instructional process with new changes. In order to improve our instructional process and to meet the needs of all students, we are using a systematic evaluation of these components.
 
Implementation and Description
In order to support teachers in the instructional process and provide them with the appropriate tools to be successful in the classroom, we have put in place the following:
Scope and Sequence
Aligning of the scope and sequence: Scope and sequence aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning. We conducted an audit of our curriculum scope and sequence to make sure that we are covering all standards with the level of difficulty presented in the standards.
Benchmark Assessment
In an effort to get a clearer picture of the developing student in achievement, we are using independently developed benchmarks in English, math, science and social studies. The benchmark assessments are given every six weeks.
Delivery of Instruction
We are planning to provide support to teachers in the area of best teaching practices. What are those essentials that capture student attention? What are those essentials that help students understand the concept of the lesson? We will continue to implement research based instructional strategies, such as thinking maps and interactive note taking throughout the year.
Classroom Walkthrough
Classroom walkthroughs are a powerful form of professional development and are an integral part of the overall framework of collaborative learning. It is protocol for looking at student work in the classroom environment. Classroom walkthroughs will be aligned to the delivery of instruction. Therefore, all teachers will know what the principal expects to see in a classroom.
Analysis of Data
Information from achievement data is ideally the foundation of constructive, collective decisions regarding issues such as goals, unit plans and planning for prevention and intervention systems.
Targeted Professional Development
A year-long professional development plan is being developed to support the instructional focus of the district and schools. Professional development will be on-going and research-based. Implementation of the plan will be monitored through coaching, peer observations, classroom walkthroughs, informal and formal observations and increase in student performance.
Alignment of Resources
All resources, time, people and money, must be aligned to support the instructional focus. As a school system, we are examining our practices around resource allocation to ensure we are doing everything possible to support high quality teaching through targeted professional development. School business leave for professional development must support the school and district instructional focus.
Interventions
Ensuring achievement for all students means having an overarching strategy that encompasses the majority of learners and then having specific strategies aimed at those who need extra support. Therefore, schools use the data from their benchmarks and other assessments to identify the needs of students and the strategies to provide continuous support. Each school develops a plan for providing intervention during the school day or after school.