Butte School District

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2120

Curriculum Development and Assessment

All students enrolled in Butte schools are entitled to a consistent, quality education. In order that such consistent quality education be developed and maintained, it is imperative that curriculum changes and appropriate basal materials be generated in a manner commensurate with the best educational planning and evaluative procedures the District has to offer.

It is therefore the intent of this policy to establish reasonable guidelines which permit the establishment of viable administrative rules and regulations, which maximize the effectiveness of curriculum changes and basal adoptions, and which further allow coordination among the course offerings of the various District schools, in order that the total educational process might be enhanced.

All curriculum changes and basal adoptions will be generated through the coordinated efforts of concerned administrators, teachers, subject-area committees, the director of curriculum, the Superintendent, and the Board. The primary vehicle through which curriculum development occurs is the subject- area curriculum committee. All proposed curriculum changes and basal adoptions (K-12) are to be coordinated through the director of curriculum, subject to review by a District administrative curriculum team. Every effort will be put forth to guarantee maximum input by all concerned parties, before consensus on curriculum-related matters is reached. Final decisions on all curriculum matters rest with the Superintendent, subject to approval by the Board.

The administration of approved curriculum policies is the function of District administrators and will be carried on within the framework of this policy.

Development and Assessment

A written sequential curriculum shall be developed for each subject area. The curricula shall address learner goals, content and program area performance standards and District education goals, and shall be constructed to include such parts of education as content, skills, and thinking. A curriculum review cycle and time lines for curriculum development and evaluations shall be developed as well.

The staff and administration will suggest materials and resources, to include supplies, books, materials, and equipment necessary for development and implementation of the curriculum and assessment which are consistent with the goals of the education program. These materials shall be reviewed at least every five (5) years.

In all program areas and at all levels, the District shall assess student progress toward achieving learner goals and program area performance standards including: the content and data; the accomplishment of appropriate skills; the development of critical thinking and reasoning; and attitude. The District will use assessment results to improve the education program and use effective and appropriate tools for assessing such progress. This may include, but is not limited to: standardized tests; criterion-referenced tests; teacher-made tests; ongoing classroom evaluation; actual communication assessments such as writing, speaking, and listening assessments; samples of student work and/or narrative reports passed from grade to grade; samples of students’ creative and/or performance work; and surveys of carryover skills to other program areas and outside of school.

Cross Reference:
2000 Goals
2110 Objectives

Legal Reference:
§ 20-3-324, MCA Powers and duties
§ 20-4-402, MCA Duties as district superintendent or county high school principal
§ 20-7-602, MCA Textbook selection and adoption
10.55.603, ARM Curriculum Development and Assessment

Policy History:
Adopted on: 10/18/04
Revised on: