Deputy School Superintendent
Beverly G. Nelson, M.A., M.Ed., C.A.G.S
Deputy Superintendent of Schools
781-393-2364
bnelson@medford.k12.ma.us
Curriculum in the Medford Public Schools
The Medford Public Schools is committed to providing all students with the academic and problem solving skills essential for personal development, responsible citizenship and life-long learning. The curriculum of the Medford Public Schools is aligned with the current versions of all Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
Specific curriculum goals are as follows:
-To develop high standards and expectations for all students
-To incorporate a balanced core of critical, essential learning that reflect national standards and state curriculum frameworks for each discipline
-To develop competency in communication, thinking, problem solving, research and other critical skills
-To connect learning to relevant situations and experiences outside the school setting
-To measure results through multiple types of assessments
-To integrate the curriculum, where possible, across subjects and grade levels
-To promote the use of powerful instructional strategies that actively involve the learner
-To purchase and use instructional materials that go beyond a textbook based approach to instruction
-To effectively integrate technology into the curriculum and instructional practice
-To recognize and respect the different needs, interests and talents of all students
-To emphasize reading and writing across the disciplines.
The Office of Curriculum and Instruction has produced curriculum brochures that outline the essential learnings for each subject area and grade level. Curriculum brochures are written for each grade level k-8 and contain the essential learnings for mathematics, science, English language arts, social studies, foreign language, fine arts, health and physical education and technology. For grades 9-12 curriculum brochures are available by subject area. The brochures are available through individual building principals or through the Offices of Curriculum and Instruction and Elementary Education.
In addition to providing you with a snapshot of the curriculum the brochures also contain to help parents support at home what their child is learning in school. Your child’s success in school is based on a partnership. The school district is committed to providing your child with a rigorous challenging curriculum, the materials to support the curriculum and a professional development program for teachers that enables them to meet the needs of our diverse student population. We look to parents to support what is taking place in the classroom at home. We encourage any feedback concerning ways we can further this partnership.
Curriculum Frameworks
Curriculum Frameworks are curriculum guidelines for each subject area. The Education Reform Law of 1993 mandated the development of the Curriculum Frameworks. Frameworks were developed by the Department of Education and approved by the Board of Education. The first frameworks to be developed (mathematics and science) were available to school districts in 1996. Since that time several of the frameworks have undergone revision. In February and March, 2004 supplements to the Mathematics, English and Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks were approved by the Board of Education to guide the development of English and math tests required at each grade level 3-8 by NCLB.
Curriculum Corridor
Curriculum Corridor is a section of the webpage that opens the doors to new ideas and educational directions for the 21st century. Each month there will be a link to a professional article on a timely topic.
I am very interested in your feedback and views on the topics and articles. Please email me at bnelson@medford.k12.ma.us with comments.
October, 2009 Curriculum Corridor: Homework is an important component of the learning process. It both enhances learned knowledge and prepares students for next day lessons. The U.S. Department of Education has developed a “Teachers Guide to Homework Tips for Parents.” I encourage you to read one or more of the pages devoted to this important issue.
Instruction
Support for teachers both new and veteran translates into better instruction for all students. The Medford Public Schools has a professional development program that includes in house workshops and courses through local colleges that assists teachers in increasing their repertoire of new effective teaching strategies as well as the depth and breadth of subject knowledge in their field. Medford has a teacher licensure program that assists teachers in attaining higher levels of licensure while earning credit towards advanced college degrees.
Assessment
The Medford Public Schools has in place an assessment system that is composed of individual teacher assessment including portfolios, nationally normed tests such as the Stanford 10 and the state mandated MCAS exam. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in Advanced Placement courses and exams.
In March, 2005 the College Board revised the SAT exam. The main feature of this exam is a new writing section. The school district has programs to help students prepare for the exam. For more information on the new SAT refer to the College Board website.
This year the school district has made a special arrangement for students to take the Kaplan SAT Preparation courts for a substantially reduced cost ($199.00 vs. regular fee of $899.00). Please click here for more information on this unique opportunity.
No Child Left Behind
On January 8, 2002 President Bush signed into law new legislation known as the No Child Left Behind Act.
This law sets very ambitious performance goals that all school districts must achieve. The goals of NCLB are as follows:
-All students will reach high standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics by 2013-2014
-All limited English proficient students will become proficient in English and reach high academic standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics
-By 2005-2006, all students will be taught by highly qualified teachers
-All students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug free and conducive to learning
-All students will graduate from high school
The Medford Public Schools is currently taking proactive steps to prepare for compliance with NCLB by allocating grant funds to further NCLB goals as well as offering programs such as the District Based Licensure program for new teachers and MCAS Academies for students.