"Coventry Pride "

Board of Education News:  Programs That Make a Difference

          At the January 10, 2008 meeting, the “Coventry Pride” section focused on the Curriculum Alignment progress.  There has been tremendous progress made in curriculum alignment using the web-based A Balanced Curriculum (ABC) template.  Dr. Bernard introduced the Curriculum Resource Team:  Michele Mullaly, Gina Olearczyk, Karen Bartolomeo, Pat Trask, and Kathy Zanotti, who would give an overview of the program and where the district is at this point.

          Ms. Olearczyk started with a PowerPoint presentation, copies of which had been passed out to the Board members.  She covered basic points, such as what curriculum is, why it is important, and the district’s initiative.  Members of the team continued by explaining the ABC program, its philosophy, an overview of ABC, timelines, unit introductions, significant tasks, and how Bloom’s Taxonomy is incorporated.  They also talked about where we are right now district wide and then by school.  Many teachers are piloting the program as we speak.

          Ms. Olearczyk explained the different aspects of the ABC website.  She said all teachers in a grade or subject collaborated together and agreed what the different components would be and that it must be aligned to state standards.  She added that eventually parents will be able to view the tasks and each assignment in detail from home, via the internet.

          Dr. Bernard noted that the district is still very early in the process and there are varying levels of work that still need to be done, but this is “state of the art” direction for this district to take with regards to curriculum.  She said the goal for beginning public viewing on the internet is January 2009.

          Tune in to Munivision, Channel 13, to view the entire portion of this meeting and learn more about “Programs that Make a Difference.”