Task 2: Understand the Rationale for Curriculum Mapping
Guideline: Effective curriculum mapping practitioners and district and school staff members must grasp the rationale for including the tool as part of the instructional process. Possessing this understanding enables staff members to embrace, apply, and speak knowledgeably about curriculum mapping.
Definition - Rationale
This BusinessDictionary.com link provides a definition for the term "rationale." Prior to stating a rationale for curriculum mapping, all involved parties should understand what is meant by the term.
Video: Four Phases of Curriculum Mapping
In this video provided by Curriculum Designers, Inc., Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs explains the four phases of curriculum mapping and connects the mapping process to a framework for professional development. This video runs 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
Video: Laying the Foundation for Curriculum Change
In this video provided by Curriculum Designers, Inc., Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs explains what is meant by "laying the foundation." In doing so, she offers a rationale as to why a district would pursue curriculum mapping as an instructional tool. This video runs 2 minutes and 15 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
