Curriculum Mapping KnowledgeBase

The Curriculum Mapping KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting education professionals with the development and use of curriculum mapping as part of their instructional strategies. The KnowledgeBase is based on four elements derived from The Curriculum Mapping Planner: Templates, Tools, and Resources for Effective Professional Development authored by Heidi Hayes Jacobs and Ann Johnson, and published by ASCD.

Task 1: Review the Concepts of Curriculum Mapping


Guideline: Being aware of basic curriculum mapping concepts is the essential first step toward developing effective curriculum maps. The resources offered will assist district and school staff members in gaining such knowledge.

Curriculum Mapping Glossary

This glossary of curriculum mapping terms has been compiled by Curriculum 21 (formerly Curriculum Designers), founded by Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs.

Curriculum Mapping 101

The Curriculum Mapping 101 website provides an overview of curriculum mapping with links to downloadable resources and materials.


Essential Questions

This explanation of essential questions is reprinted from a series of articles first published in Technology Connections.


PBS TeacherLine

The PBS TeacherLine Professional for Educators offers Curriuclum Mapping I with Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs. This course "explores the history and purpose of curriculum mapping, your role as a teacher, the types of maps, and the various data collected in the maps. You will finish the course with a complete peer-reviewed plan to adjust the scope and sequence of your curriculum to apply in your classroom right away."

Video: The History of Mapping

In this YouTube video, Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs gives an overview of the history of curriculum mapping. This video runs 4 minutes and 23 seconds.


Video: What is Curriculum Mapping

In this YouTube video, Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs defines and explains curriculum mapping. This video runs 7 minutes and 21 seconds.


 

Element 1: Lay the Foundation

Purpose: Applying curriculum mapping within a district or school begins with an understanding of the fundamentals. These include being knowledgeable about the basic concepts, defining a vision for the initiative, and creating a leadership structure to support it. Element 1 outlines these tasks and offers resources for the teacher to gain such an understanding.

Activity 1: Understand Curriculum Mapping Concepts

Activity 2: Create a Shared Vision for Curriculum Mapping

Activity 3: Define the Leadership Structure to Support Mapping

Element 2: Launch the Process

Purpose: Wiktionary dictionary defines launch as "to set going; to give a start to (something); to put in operation." Curriculum mapping is an ongoing process. The process involves creating maps that drive instruction, reviewing and improving those maps over time, and learning how to master mapping strategies. Element 2 outlines these tasks and offers resources for district and school leaders and teachers to launch curriculum mapping.

Activity 1: Using Curriculum Maps to Drive Instruction

Activity 2: Undertake a Review Process to Improve Instruction

Activity 3: Learn How to Master Mapping Strategies

Element 3: Sustain and Integrate the Mapping Process

Purpose: Curriculum mapping is an ongoing process as teachers review and update the respective maps regularly. The process of updating their maps enables teachers to think about how they can improve and update their instructional approaches. The Element 3 tasks address incorporating assessment results into the mapping process.

Activity 1: Conduct Ongoing Strategic Monitoring

Activity 2: Unpack Assessment Data

Element 4: Advanced Mapping Tasks

Purpose: Curriculum mapping is an ongoing process as teachers review and update the respective maps regularly . The process of updating their maps enables teachers to think about how they can improve and update their instructional approaches. The Element 4 tasks address applying new instructional techniques and integrating technology with curriculum.

Activity 1: Update Maps with 21st Century Techniques