The Cobb County Board of Education (Board) recognizes that curriculum development and evaluation as well as appropriate instructional goals are important to student learning. Specifically, the Board acknowledges the following:

CURRICULUM:

Curriculum development is the blueprint for student achievement. Its development should include the following components and considerations:

§         Research;

§         Input from educational staff, students, parents/guardians and community;

§         Annual data regarding student achievement;

§         Alignment of learning standards, assessment and graduation requirements; and

§         Community and student expectations for courses and programs.

Evaluation of curriculum keeps the curriculum current and linked to instructional needs.  Without a deliberate plan of curriculum development and evaluation, the instruction received by students may be outdated, inappropriate or off-target for student learning needs.

Therefore, the Board expects the Superintendent to develop District Rules and guidelines which provide for:

§         The curriculum to be developed congruent with the requisite student knowledge base for:

·         Lifetime success;

·         Meeting local standards consistent with local philosophy; and

·         Meeting state and national standards and requirements, as well as required testing.

§         The evaluation and development of curriculum on a cyclical basis to ensure that what is taught is perpetually updated to provide the instruction students need to meet the above objectives.

INSTRUCTION:

Instructional goals provide the integrated framework for delivering the District’s curriculum as well as teaching students the knowledge and skills necessary to become productive members of the community.

Therefore, the Board expects the Superintendent to develop District Rules and guidelines which provide for instructional goals that:

§         Align with learning standards for students;

§         Focus on the District’s overall vision/mission for its schools; and

§         Assure that the District shall achieve the academic requirements necessary for the District to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as defined in Georgia’s plan for complying with the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

Finally, the Board recognizes that by consulting with community and staff to set instructional goals, it articulates the community’s vision for teaching and learning and establishes the means for the District’s professional staff to use to evaluate instructional strategies used in the District’s schools and classrooms.

Adopted: 5/14/08