1 Curriculum and Instruction Report Pocantico Hills School February 28, 2005

2 Introduction Examine state of the school’s curriculum and instruction Provide recommendations on how to improve teaching and learning at PHS Prepare a short and long term curriculum and instruction plan

3 Mission To emphasize the English/Language Arts (ELA) Learning Standards (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in all grade levels and all subject areas linking our newly adopted writing and reading programs and resulting in a comprehensive standards-based ELA curriculum Pre-K – 8. To organize staff to capitalize on their expertise and training and to enhance student learning in a standards based environment. To provide multiple opportunities for all students to demonstrate academic achievement in the least restrictive educational environment.

4 Current State District-wide curriculum reviews are not standards based, are not current for all subjects and are not cyclical Professional development has not had a district-wide focus There has been no district-wide direction in the use of professional development monies by individual teachers There is no long term plan for curriculum review and related professional development All students are not receiving daily instruction in the optimal and/or “least restrictive” educational setting There is extremely limited technology to promote teaching and learning

5 Current Professional Development Status

6 Progress to Date District-wide curriculum reviews are not standards based, are not current for all subjects and are not cyclical Identified curriculum “guide posts” for English/Language Arts (Pre-k – 8) aligned with New York State learning standards Established “exit outcomes” for special area classes aligned with New York State learning standards Professional development has not had a district-wide focus Conducted district-wide professional development on lesson and unit design (Dimensions of Learning model) and English/Language Arts Emphasized literacy and inclusive education as training priorities Conducted monthly professional development through faculty meetings Created a “strength based” Child Study Team referral form There is no long term plan for curriculum review and related professional development Established a long term relationship with an English/Language Arts consultant Enhanced partnerships with Briarcliff, Pleasantville and Sleepy Hollow High Schools to compare and align content and teaching methods

7 PHS Curriculum & Instruction Strategies Ensure annual district-wide professional development aligns with strategic framework goals Develop curriculum review cycles so that no major curriculum is ever more than four years old Provide ongoing building based professional development through the strategic use of faculty meetings Develop professional partnerships with expert consultants in areas of standards based content, assessment and teaching methods Align out of district professional development with annual district goals and priorities Link professional development in technology and new technologies to annual district curriculum and instruction priorities Align our work in curriculum and instruction to New York State learning standards Ensure adoption of new curriculum and teaching methods through the district’s teacher accountability process

8 Curriculum & Instruction Recommendations for Develop a curriculum review cycle of 4-5 years for major content (subject) areas Create standards and leadership teams to review curriculum, teaching methods and resources Increase investment in district-wide professional development for major content (subject) areas Improve the delivery of instruction through enhanced technology: – Increase computer access for students and staff – Appoint a technology specialist who can link technology to standards based instruction and professional development

9 Conclusion We have begun our efforts to enhance learning at Pocantico Hills by addressing the fundamentals of every lesson. Our work to date has included lesson design, the determination of “guide posts” in our English/Language Arts curriculum and an emphasis on optimal learning conditions for all students. These efforts represent a district- wide focus clearly aligned with our planning process. Our long range plans include a periodic review of our curricula, a comprehensive approach to professional development and institutional support for the necessary resources. Our short term goals include a review of the math curriculum, a continued emphasis on differentiating learning opportunities and the integration of technology into our daily practice. Our commitment to these efforts will be reflected in the proposed school budget