Policy - IGA

POLICY:  IGA

Effective Date: 3/5/25

Cancels Sheet Dated:2/8/11, 03/2/16

Reviewed by Policy Committee: 12/8/10, 1/20/16, 01/15/25

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION

As defined in Maine Department of Education rules, “curriculum” means RSU #74’s written document that sets forth the learning expectations for all students for all content area of Maine’s system of Learning Results, as well as for other content areas as specified by the RSU #74 board.

The RSU #74’s curriculum shall reflect continuous, sequential and specific instruction aligned with the content areas of the Learning Results including the knowledge and skills described in the “Parameters for Essential Instruction” and the “Guiding Principles” of the Learning Results.  

Through its curriculum, the schools will provide courses and/or learning experiences that support multiple pathways for learning, accommodate variety or learning styles, provide multiple options for students to demonstrate proficiency, and prepare students for responsible citizenship and success in a global society.

The RSU #74 Board recognizes that curriculum development, review and evaluation is an ongoing process, and that programs and practices may need to be adjusted or revised to meet educational standards, to reflect community aspirations and values, and to serve the best interests of students.

In development, revision and evaluation of curriculum, the Board expects that:

         A.    The RSU #74 Board expects the administration and staff to be sensitive to changing conditions that may require modifications in curriculum;

         B.    The RSU #74 Board expects all programs to be subject to ongoing review and evaluation to ensure that they meet the instructional needs of students;

         C.    The RSU #74 Board expects the school system to undertake intensive curriculum revision as needed by adhering to the RSU #74 Curriculum Review Cycle.

         D.    The superintendent/designee will take the lead in the ongoing curriculum development and review process and in aligning the alignment of curriculum with educational standards and with advances in knowledge, educational research and “best practices.”

         E.     The RSU #74 Board expects that curriculum development and revision will be achieved with appropriate involvement of administrators, instructional and support staff, students, parents, community and the RSU #74 Board;

         F.     The RSU #74 Board shall review and adopt all curriculum guides, course descriptions and courses of study prior to their implementation;

The RSU #74 superintendent is expected to develop plans and timelines as necessary for the development, implementation and evaluation of the curriculum and to provide the RSU #74 Board with an annual report on the status of the curriculum.

The RSU #74 superintendent is expected to make recommendations concerning professional development, instructional materials and resources needed for curriculum implementation, consistent with RSU #74 Board policy.

Legal Reference:  20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 1001(6), 6209

                                 Ch. 127 § 5-7 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules)

Cross Reference:  ADF-School Unit Commitment to the Learning Results

                                 IHA–Basic Instructional Program

                                 IJJ-Instructional and Library-Media Materials Selection

                                 IL–Evaluation of Instructional Programs