Curriculum What Role Do Administrators and Staff

Curriculum

What role do administrators and staff developers play in the curriculum design or revision process?

The governor of the state appoints members to the Florida State Board of Education. Some educational commissioners are elected locally by the public during general elections. This means that school administrators and staff developers play an indirect role in curriculum design and revision. The superintendents of school districts are also in charge of local variances in curriculum and instruction. For example, in Miami-Dade County, Associate Superintendent Milagros R. Fornell addresses curriculum and instruction (Miami-Dade County Public Schools, n.d.). Staff developers and school administrators can and often do participate as consultants in the curriculum design and revision process.

What are the expectations related to who uses the curriculum that is developed and how the curriculum is used?

There are several expectations related to who uses the curriculum that is developed at both the state and district level. Local schools are expected to design instruction in accordance with the curriculum, and to meet educational standards and goals. The State of Florida has its own standards related to specific subject matters like mathematics and English. However, some national standards will also guide curriculum development.

3. How are teachers supported in the internalization and use of national or state standards?

Teachers are supported at many levels: district, county, and state. To a lesser extent, teachers are supported in the internalization and use of standards by federal assistance. One of the primary guiding principles of the Miami-Dade County Public School curriculum and instruction department is to "provide guidance and support at the district/region/school level relative to curriculum, delivery of support services, interpretation of compliance/policy requirements, and best practice," (Miami-Dade County Public Schools, n.d.).

4. How are the design and implementation of curriculum and assessment processes that meet quality standards supported in your school or school district?

In Miami-Dade County, the design and implementation of curriculum and assessment processes are formalized. The need to meet or exceed the quality standards that are expected by the county drives stakeholders to conscientiously meet the educational goals. Support is offered in terms of regular assessments, the participation of consultants, supervision, the provision of resources related to curriculum development, and other interventions. Through regular communications, meetings, and seminars, administrators can meet with superintendents and commissioners.

5. What processes exist to ensure that students learn national or state standards?