| Purpose
The Board recognizes its responsibility for approving the policies
that direct the management and continuous improvement of each school
and the district. To this end, the curriculum shall be planned,
developed, implemented, assessed, and monitored on an ongoing basis
in accordance with the district Framework for Continuous Improvement
of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Professional Development.
The central purpose of district curriculum work is to help improve the
academic achievement of all students.
Definition
For purposes of this and related policies, curriculum shall
be defined as all planned learning opportunities of the schools and
district intended to meet relevant State and local requirements to include
planned courses of study, district scope and sequence, lesson plans,
and all interventions intended to improve academic achievement.
Authority
The Board is responsible for the curriculum of the schools.
The Board directs that the curriculum comply with federal and state
requirements, written goals, standards, objectives, and identified data-based
student needs.
Delegation of Responsibility
As educational leader of the district, the Superintendent shall
be responsible to the Board for developing and managing curriculum,
and shall recommend policies and procedures for curriculum development
which provide opportunities for the participation of administrators,
instructional staff, the community, members of the Board, etc., and
furthermore ensure that staff be held accountable for the successful
implementation and assessment of the K-12 planned program of learning.
For the purpose of this policy, assessment shall be defined as a valid
and reliable measurement of student performance on one or more academic
standards for each planned learning opportunity, planned course of study,
or subject area. Curricular decisions should be directed by an
analysis of data derived from sources recommended by the Superintendent
or designee. With prior approval the Superintendent may conduct
such pilot programs as are deemed necessary for the continuing
growth of the instructional program. The Superintendent shall
report to the Board each pilot program along with its objectives, evaluative
criteria, and costs before each such program is initiated. The Board
supports the active pursuit of external resources to conduct research
activities. Educational research studies, conducted by an educational
organization, institution, or an individual associated with an educational
organization or institution, which involve students and/or staff members
of the School District of Upper Moreland Township may be permitted on
a limited basis at the discretion of the Superintendent who will report
on the studies to the Board of School Directors. Proposed research
activities shall comply with district internal panel review and appropriate
informed consent procedures. These procedures will be directed
by the Superintendent or designee.
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