The Core Curriculum team has received inquiries about how an Iowa Core Curriculum Leadership Team might build capacity in the Iowa Core Curriculum once the 2009-2010 school begins. The July issue of School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education contained the following information:
“Leadership Teams are very motivated to undertake the important work of implementing the Iowa Core Curriculum. Before extensive improvement efforts are launched, it is critical that Leadership Team members take time to carefully determine what actions are needed.
During the first semester of next year, Leadership Teams should focus their efforts to design and implement the Iowa Core Curriculum by:
• Engaging all teachers in thoroughly exploring the Essential Concepts and Skills
• Gathering and analyzing data to complete the Iowa Core Curriculum Self Study
• Participating in thoughtful dialogue and planning for all six outcomes of the Implementation Plan
• Informing all teachers and administrators about the implementation planning process
• Developing and sharing the district’s vision about the Core with community members
• Supporting existing professional development that focuses on student learning
• Ensuring that teachers have the time to learn and apply the priority professional development
During the second semester, Leadership Teams should work on:
• Orienting staff to alignment processes (The Iowa Core Curriculum Network will be leading this work.)
• Gathering information regarding alignment data and working with the necessary tools
• Planning how to improve alignment based on analysis of data collected through this process
For more information or questions, please contact Rita Martens, Iowa Department of Education, at (515) 281-3145 or rita.martens@iowa.gov.”
If you have questions, you can also contact Heartland’s Linda Biermann Hoobin, Iowa Core Curriculum Consultant, at ext. 14327 or at lhoobin@aea11.k12.ia.us.
