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Curriculum Implementation Philosophy

Laurie Salem

College of Education, Grand Canyon University

EAD 520: Strengthening Curricular Programs to Promote Continuous School Improvement

Lisa Schlabra

April 19, 2023

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Curriculum Implementation Philosophy

Curriculum that is implemented effectively is critical to the effectiveness and the success

of a school. A school leader has to create a personal philosophy about the implementation of

curriculum, which can then help them to create an environment that not only encourages the

academic growth and achievement of students, but also makes room for their development as

citizens. A personal philosophy results in social benefits and cognitive growth, which in turn

produces opportunities for collaborative inquiries (Burgh, 2018).

Personal Philosophy

My personal philosophy regarding the implementation of curriculum is that it is only one

means in which to educate our students. I encourage my teachers to embrace organic teaching

moments where they can incorporate real world situations. I also expect my teachers to learn the

curriculum well enough to make decisions on its effectiveness and fairness to students. For

example, our current reading comprehension curriculum is outdated and uses resources that are

inherently based on history that highlights the accomplishments of white people and diminishes

the contributions and achievements of people of color. The textbooks make it seem that there

were no people of color during these critical moments in history. I choose to allow my teachers

to think critically for themselves and make adjustments as needed.

In my future school, I am going to focus on grade levels k-2. These are the foundation

grades where they are forming their own thoughts and opinions. This makes it even more vital

that what they are learning will help them develop into critically thinking people who can

problem solve and thus become productive members of a democratic society (Burgh, 2018)

Cultural Inclusiveness and Differentiation

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Cultural inclusiveness is the responsibility of those who lead schools and make decisions

about curriculum to ensure that there is representation of everyone who makes up our society.

Leaders should always consider the community and population they serve and try to ensure that

there are materials and resources that suit them. It is also an opportunity for leaders to think

beyond their skin color and find innovative ways to be inclusive regarding their interests, their

skills their thoughts and opinions (Zia, Gul, Aftab, 2021).

Tiered Interventions

My expectations regarding tiered interventions is that teachers are well versed in the

various tiers, what interventions are appropriate and how to implement them. If interventions are

data- based and provided on a consistent basis, there can be great deal of growth for students

who may struggle (Foorman, Herrera, & Dombek, 2018). What is vital to implementing

interventions is the planning needed to first identify what the issue is using valid data and then

compare that with the tiers. My plan is to begin training on the tiers of intervention during the

PD week for teachers. If we are going to place students of various levels together in a classroom,

the teacher needs to be trained in how to support them.

Incorporating Technology

Our students are learning how to use various technologies and platforms to connect with

friends, learn and share information, play games, create games and build virtual systems that

they can monetize and begin making money. If we are to educate students to thrive in our current

world and prepare them for the world to come, we must be willing to incorporate technology into

their environment and learning experience as much as possible. Technology allows the teacher

to creative and address multiple learning needs at once. They can also be innovative with how
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students can produce and present work (Liu, 2016). In my future school, I will look for

opportunities for technology professionals to come to the school and share some of their

expertise. I will also have field trips where students can explore companies that utilize

technology in their day-to-day operations. Embracing technology and bringing it into the

classrooms can help with time management, student engagement and assignment completion.

Curricular Connection to Mission and Vision

The mission and vision of the school is to present appropriate and effective curriculum

using highly qualified teachers and develop students that can think critically, reason effectively

and utilize various materials and resources to become productive members of society. It is

important that they have the tools and the knowledge that allows it to happen. When choosing

curriculum, I will consider what is being taught, how it is being taught and if it allows for the

innovative thinking and teaching strategies of my staff. Does this curriculum adjust well to any

changes that my teachers will need to make? Does this curriculum have culturally relevant

materials and resources? To be an effective leader, they must know the curriculum and adjust or

change it all together in order for teachers and staff to truly benefit.

References

Burgh, Gilbert (2018). The Need for Philosophy in Promoting Democracy: A case for

philosophy in the curriculum. Journal of Philosophy in Schools 5 (1):38-58.

Foorman, B. R., Herrera, S., & Dombek, J. (2018). The relative impact of aligning Tier 2

intervention materials with classroom core reading materials in grades K–2. the elementary

school journal, 118(3), 477-504.

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Landin, J. (2010). Inclusiveness: Hearing Every Voice. Educate~, 10(2), 2-8.

Liu, P. (2016). Technology integration in elementary classrooms: Teaching practices of student

teachers. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 41(3), 6.

Zia, M. U., Gul, F., & Aftab, M. J. (2021). ANALYSIS OF THE INCLUSIVENESS OF THE

ELEMENTARY TEACHER EDUCATION CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTED BY THE

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION, PAKISTAN. Pakistan Journal of Educational

Research, 4(4).