Curriculum Mapping

What is Curriculum Mapping? Curriculum Mapping is the documentation and discussion of what we teach. It is a collaborative process that helps us understand teaching and learning throughout the Elementary, Middle, and High School . The simple definition is that Curriculum Mapping is a form of documenting curriculum. Curriculum Mapping presents a simple, organized solution to our major challenge of collecting, examining, improving, and spiraling our curriculum.. Most curriculum maps include columns for (1) a timeline (months of the year), (2) content, (3) units or broad activities, and (4) assessment for each curriculum unit that is taught. Additional columns can include (5) the applicable essential question for units and (6) standards and benchmarks. The beauty of a curriculum map is that it is easy to use and read. It is simple in format—like a structured overview, showing the entire year’s worth of curriculum at a glance. It can be done with pen on paper to start with, and then transferred onto the computer, or created completely on the computer—in either case, using a standard format throughout a district.

Why Use Curriculum Mapping? It benefits ALL students. Mapping is a COMMUNICATION tool. Mapping is a PLANNING tool, it keeps us FOCUSED and targets essential information. Promotes PROFESSIONALISM and teaching creativeness.

Benefits Mapping replaces repeat teachings. Mapping allows us to focus on fewer goals, and therefore, teach concepts in greater depth. Mapping eliminates wasted review and expands teaching time. It vertically shows curriculum steps.

What Happens With Curriculum Mapping? Departments can investigate the map to identify gaps in the vertical and horizontal alignment of courses. Teachers can assess what students mastered in the preceding grade and focus on building skills and knowledge.

Curriculum Mapping Attempts to: Create a “snapshot” of the educational activities of every classroom. Capture the content skills and assessments taught by every teacher. Organize this information into an easily accessed visual that presents a timeline of instruction.

Sample Curriculum Map Essential Questions Content (noun) Skills (verb) Assessment Activities August September October November December

Essential Questions… Focus on a broad topic of study. Have multiple answers and perspectives. They address “why” or “how”. They are “mental Velcro” that helps ideas stick in students’ minds.

Essential Questions Examples Which is more important – water or air? What is change? What does it mean to be free?

Content Content is the essential concepts and topics covered during a month.   Content is written beginning with a noun.

Content Examples Cultural diversity Water cycle Bridge to Terabithia Local Government Systems Fire Safety

Skills Skills are key abilities and processes students will develop related to specific content.  Skills are written beginning with a verb.

Skills Examples Reading a map Writing a play Analyzing non-fiction text Writing persuasive essays Matching words and pictures

Assessment Assessments are the products or performances that demonstrate student learning. Assessments are what the student does (the actual product or performance), not the evaluation tool used to assess the product.

Assessment Examples Group presentation Brochure Research Paper Essay exam Puppet show Debate

Activities Key activities that lead to acquisition of knowledge and skills. Describe the "how" for the knowledge and skills.

Activities Examples Writing persuasive letters to local government officials Analyze water samples from local river Critique a work of art Create a 50 states quilt