Adopted: 3-23-03 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 603
Orig. 1995
Revised: 7-18-18 Rev. 2016
603 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
[Note: Minn. Stat. § 120B.11 requires school districts to adopt a comprehensive long-term strategic plan that addresses the review of curriculum, instruction, student achievement, and assessment. MSBA/MASA Model Policies 601, 603, and 616 address these statutory requirements. In addition, MSBA/MASA Model Policies 613-615 and 617-620 provide procedures to further implement the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 120B.11.]
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide direction for continuous review and improvement of the school curriculum.
II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
Curriculum development shall be directed toward the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of the education program of the school district.
III. RESPONSIBILITY
A. The superintendent shall be responsible for curriculum development and for determining the most effective way of conducting research on the school district’s curriculum needs and establishing a long range curriculum development program. Timelines shall be determined by the superintendent that will provide for periodic reviews of each curriculum area.
B. A district advisory committee shall provide assistance at the request of the superintendent. The advisory committee membership shall be a reflection of the community and, to the extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the district and its school sites, and shall include parent, teacher, support staff, student, community residents, and administration representation, and shall provide translation to the extent appropriate and practicable. Whenever possible, parents and other community residents shall comprise at least two-thirds of advisory committee members.
C. Within the ongoing process of curriculum development, the following needs shall be addressed:
1. Provide for articulation of courses of study from kindergarten through grade twelve.
2. Identify minimum objectives for each course and at each elementary grade level.
3. Provide for continuing evaluation of programs for the purpose of attaining school district objectives.
4. Provide a program for ongoing monitoring of student progress.
5. Provide for specific, particular, and special needs of all members of the student community.
6. Develop a local literacy plan to have every child reading at or above grade level no later than the end of grade 3, including English learners, and teachers providing comprehensive, scientifically based reading instruction consistent with law.
7. Integrate required and elective course standards in the scope and sequence of the district curriculum.
8. Meet all applicable requirements of the Minnesota Department of Education and federal law.
D. The superintendent shall be responsible for keeping the school board informed of all state-mandated curriculum changes, as well as recommended discretionary changes, and for periodically presenting recommended modifications for school board review and approval.
E. The superintendent shall have discretionary authority to develop guidelines and directives to implement school board policy relating to curriculum development.
Legal References: Minn. Stat. § 120B.10 (Findings; Improving Instruction and Curriculum)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.11 (School District Process)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.12 (Reading Proficiently no Later than the End of Grade 3)
Minn. Rules Part 3500.0550 (Inclusive Educational Program)
Minn. Rules Parts 3501.0640-3501.0655 (Academic Standards for Language Arts)
Minn. Rules Parts 3501.0700-3501.0745 (Academic Standards for Mathematics)
Minn. Rules Parts 3501.0800-3501.0815 (Academic Standards for the Arts)
Minn. Rules Parts 3501.0900-3501.0955 (Academic Standards in Science)
Minn. Rules Parts 3501.1000-3501.1190 (Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma) (repealed Minn. L. 2013, Ch. 116, Art. 2, § 22)
Minn. Rules Parts 3501.1200-3501.1210 (Academic Standards for English Language Development)
Minn. Rules Parts 3501.1300-3501.1345 (Academic Standards for Social Studies)
20 U.S.C. § 6301, et seq. (Every Student Succeeds Act)
Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 604 (Instructional Curriculum)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 605 (Alternative Programs)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 613 (Graduation Requirements)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 614 (School District Testing Plan and Procedure)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 615 (Testing Accommodations, Modifications, and Exemptions for IEPs, Section 504 Plans, and LEP Students)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 616 (School District System Accountability)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 617 (School District Ensurance of Preparatory and High School Standards)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 618 (Assessment of Student Achievement)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 619 (Staff Development for Standards)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 620 (Credit for Learning)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 623 (Mandatory Summer School Instruction)
