How to Plan Curriculum Using SLP Guiding Questions

Curriculum 

Crowe and Kennedy describe curriculum as what students are expected to know and do by the end of a lesson, unit, or course. It all starts with grasping the essential content and skills that learners should master. The standards shaped by curriculum and learning objectives derived from state expectations provide a solid foundation for educational goals. However, Crowe and Kennedy remind us that curriculum is much more than just these standards. It also encompasses the engaging materials and resources that students will explore as they work toward mastering the desired knowledge and skills. This holistic approach ensures that learning is both meaningful and effective, setting students up for success in their educational journey.

In curriculum, the goal is for each student to clearly articulate answers to the following questions:

• What am I learning?
• Why am I learning this?
• How will I demonstrate I have learned it?

Three Components of Curriculum

Crowe and Kennedy provide three important components of curriculum teachers need to consider when planning what the student needs to know and do at the end of a lesson, unit or course, and the components are:

• Curriculum Design (standards and outcomes)
• Integration Approach (instruction)
• Resource Selection (materials)

Curriculum Design involves

• Focus on relevant grade-level standards
• Create measurable and achievable outcomes
• Ensure content is accessible to all students
• Use efficient learning time

Standards and Outcomes:

This section focuses on supporting each student with relevant standards that are both measurable and achievable. This approach ensures outcomes are accessible to all learners and serves as the driving force behind all educational activities. By aligning learning objectives with clear standards, students can focus on specific goals, facilitating a structured and purposeful learning experience. This clarity helps students understand
what is expected of them, promoting engagement and progress toward achieving these defined outcomes.

Relevant Standards

This standard includes the following:

Character Traits

• Physical attributes
• Personality characteristics
• Emotional states

Character Motivations

• Goals and desires
• Fears and concerns
• Internal conflicts