As schools undergo drastic change, teachers are being asked to teach in ways that they themselves were never taught. Rather than focus on engagement for the sake of engagement, teachers are being asked to lead inquiry-based learning that centers students. Research shows that curricula and instructional materials can make a large impact on student learning, and that it is essential for teachers to have access to strong professional learning that guides them to make the most of the curricula.
The Elements: Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning is a new paper from Carnegie Corporation of New York that explores how professional learning anchored in high-quality curriculum materials allows teachers to experience the instruction their students will receive and change their instructional practices, leading to better student outcomes. Leading Educators staff contributed to the design of the framework and a model from LE’s work with the District of Columbia Public Schools’ LEAP program.
Take a deeper dive into two models of curriculum-based professional learning from our work. First, learn more about DC Public Schools’ trajectory to launching the LEAP program. Second, explore Tulsa Public Schools’ efforts to create coherence across support initiatives for teachers and students.
How has one of the most heavily-watched districts improved outcomes for 49,000 students for four straight years? Find out.
Rolling out a strong curriculum is complex work, but it can transform access to knowledge for students. Doing it well depends on passionate educators who understand the goals and who are willing to change how they teach to reach equity.