Algebra 1 Curriculum Analysis

Most people think of a textbook when they hear the work curriculum. Curriculum is a scope and sequence of skills and concepts in which one lesson builds upon another. In the Curriculum Evaluation Tool above, the planning a design portion covers the content that is taught, the standards aligned to the content, the districts mission statement and learning theory and scientifically based researched material in designing the curriculum. According to Wiggins and McTighe, 2007, “until we grasp the idea that curriculum has no coherence or power divorced from vital accomplishments related to transfer and meaning, we will not avoid aimless coverage of content objectives” (p.44). Related to the evaluation tool, the inclusion of the districts mission statement and learning theory in the evaluation yields a focus to the relationship between what is learned in the classroom and the environment and culture in …show more content…
There are many components missing from the document. First, the Algebra guide makes no connection between the districts mission statement or learning theories. In addition, there are no teaching methods or strategies identified in the curriculum guide. The Algebra guide also does not allow for differentiation of instruction or different learning styles and levels. On a positive note the Algebra guide is well organized, linked to core content standards and includes a pacing guide for recourse room, college prep, inclusion and advanced classes. The guide references the Pearson textbook (Pearson, 2015). The textbook and resources supplied within Pearson are extensive and inclusive of all the components included in the evaluation tool. However, without knowing or using the textbook and resources, a new teacher could not use this curriculum guide to teach the course. There is also no evidence of a schedule of re-evaluating the