BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS 501

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BOARD POLICY

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION

 The Board recognizes its responsibility for the monitoring and improvement of the educational program. In keeping with the Board's recognition of the need for ongoing curriculum review and improvement, the Superintendent shall develop and administer guidelines and procedures for a curriculum development and improvement process which:  

• is consistent with District goals;
• will establish a regular cycle for review, revision, development, adoption and implementation in all curricular areas;
• is based on student needs and evaluated by student performance;
• will ensure the participation of administrators, teachers, patrons and students, when appropriate, in the process;
• is consistent with state requirements and reflects community expectations, societal trends and workplace realities;
• provides for student performance data to be systematically collected, reported and used as a basis for future program improvements.

At the beginning of each school year, the Superintendent shall advise the Board of any program changes that are planned for the year.

The Board will review and adopt curriculum that is aligned with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements and identifies program outcomes, and student performance standards in each curricular area. Board-adopted curriculum shall be incorporated in classroom instruction in each school in the district. The instructional approaches for achieving the prescribed learning can be developed and modified within each school, consistent with adopted curriculum and the individual school improvement plan.

Additions, deletions, or changes in course goals or sequence requires approval by the Curriculum Director and Superintendent, who shall inform the Board. Modification of adopted curriculum or changes that affect graduation requirements must be approved by the Board.

Legal References: RCW 28A.150.230–       School Directors accountable for proper

                                                                  operation of District

                            RCW 28A.330.100 (5)–  Additional powers of Board

 Adopted:   June 26, 2003

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