Curriculum

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Administrative code dictates (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1) that the district evaluates all curricula every five years. The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District currently maintains and implements over 340 curricula in 14 content areas. Program Evaluations are the basis and catalyst for curriculum renewal. They provide a mechanism for the leadership and stakeholders of the district to critically review the existing curriculum in a systematic and collaborative manner and make informed decisions regarding its effectiveness. They provide an opportunity for teachers to examine content and instructional strategies and to determine whether the curriculum is meeting the needs of the learner and the expectations of the community. Changes in state and national standards, state assessment practices, availability of resources, recent pedagogical research, and discipline specific discoveries and innovations can create pressure for change and curricula revisions. Attempting to accommodate these forces for change as they arise can lead to a lack of focus and can overwhelm the instructional staff. It is critical that teachers be provided with the support, resources, and climate necessary to successfully implement the district program in all content areas. It is necessary to have a systematic process in place to evaluate, develop, and implement all curricula in a manner that allocates district resources wisely and allows for informed decisions that foster fiscal efficiency and responsibility. The Five-Year Curriculum Renewal Plan that the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District follows allows for informed decision making using the best available evidence.

The Curriculum Renewal process takes place over a five-year period. It is a process by which all district curricula is analyzed and if necessary, revised in a systematic and collaborative manner. The process provides for the following:

• A comprehensive evaluation of each district content area at each of three instructional levels: primary (K-4), intermediate/middle (5-8) and secondary (9-12) in a five-year cycle.
• An inclusive development process.
• Thoughtful and careful implementation with appropriate staff development.
• Revision based on experience, expertise, and research.
• Sufficient time to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and revisions.
• Vertical and horizontal articulation of program changes

2019-2020 K-12 English Language Arts Program Review Presentation