Rigorous Curriculum Design

Andrea Fraser Mundo, afraser@lex2.orgJeanne Cook Yenco, jyenco@lex2.org

ObjectivesWhat is rigorous curriculum?Steps for Building a Strong Curriculum

FoundationSteps for Designing a RCD unit of studyExamples of RCD units in math for grades 6,

7, and 8.Where to find more RCD units.

Rigorous CurriculumAn inclusive set of intentionally aligned

components – clear learning outcomes with matching assessments, engaging learning experiences, and instructional strategies – organized into sequenced units of study that serves both the detailed road map and the high- quality delivery system for ensuring that all students achieve the desired end: the attainment of the designated grade – or course specific standards within a particular content area.

Rigorous Curriculum DesignA process, Not an event Multi years to complete (cohort) –

incremental steps over timeNeed to see the big picture Each year modify, adjust, and improve the

units of study

Building a Strong Curricular Foundation

Step 1 : Prioritize the StandardsStep 2: Name the Units of StudyStep 3: Assign Priority Standards and

Supporting StandardsStep 4: Prepare a Pacing CalendarStep 5: Construct the Unit Planning Organizer

Designing the Curricular Unit of Study

Twelve Steps1) “Unwrap” the unit priority standard2) Create a graphic organizer3) Decide the big ideas and essential questions4) Create the end-of-unit assessment5) Create the unit pre-assessment6) Identify additional vocabulary terms,

interdisciplinary connections, and 21st-century learning skills. (Profile of South Carolina Graduate)

Profile of the South Carolina Graduate

Designing the Curricular Unit of Study

Twelve Steps - continued7) Plan engaging learning experiences8) Gather instructional resource materials9) Recommend effective instruction,

differentiation, intervention, special education, and English Language Learner Strategies

10) Detail the unit planning organizer11) Create informal progress-monitoring checks12) Write the weekly plan; design the daily lesson

RCD unit for 8th Grade - FunctionsRCD Unit planning organizer – Green Thumb

– 8th math

Performance Task Details Task 1Task 2 and Rubric Task 3Task 4Task 5Assessments 1, 2, 3

RCD unit for 6th grade – Expressions and Equations and Geometry

RCD Unit planning organizer – Mystery of the Unknown – 6th

Task – Calendar ProjectTask – Four Square Report and ExamplePre- Test and Answer KeyPost Test and Answer Key

RCD unit for 7th grade – Expressions and Equations

RCD Unit planning organizer – Census – 7th

mathTasks Resources pg. 527-528Pre-Test and Answer KeyPost Test and Answer Key

Questions and ResourcesContact InformationAndrea Fraser Mundo, afraser@lex2.org Jeanne Cook Yenco, jyenco@lex2.org

To get additional RCD units or for copies of everything from today go to our district website

www.lex2.orgSelect for Faculty and StaffSelect InstructionSelect Mathematics(here you will find RCD units for all grade levels)

CODE for today’s session:

References

Ainsworth, Larry. Rigorous Curriculum Design: How to Create Curricular Units of Study That Align Standards, Instruction, and Assessment. Englewood, Colo.: Lead Learn, 2010. Print.

Carter, John A. Glencoe Math. Your Common Core ed. Bothell, WA: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2013. Print.

Fulton, Brad S., and Bill Lombard. The Pattern and Function Connection. Emeryville, CA: Key Curriculum, 2001. Print.