Whitman Elementary - Tulsa Public Schools

Whitman ES District Capacity
District: Tulsa Public Schools
School and classroom alignment to district curriculum expectations
DISTRICT EVIDENCE OF CAPACITY SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW
In 2010, TPS began training teachers in curriculum design. Based on the work of Curriculum Development
Using Backwards Design Method, Wiggins & McTighe, over 200 teachers were trained in writing curriculum
maps, units and sample assessments. Nearly every school was represented by at least one teacher and in
many instances several teachers. The goal was to prepare teachers in effectively aligning instruction to
standards. Further work continues as each session of the Principals Leadership Conference focuses on at least
one session dedicated to curriculum expectations.
Educational Consultant Services, Focus on Results, Flippen Group and Leadership and Learning Center
(consultant groups working in the district), provide individual school teams with classroom alignment to district
curriculum development and expectations, providing training on topics including unwrapping standards,
creating lesson plans aligned to standards, and identifying priority standards for instructional emphasis.
In 2012, the district curriculum department will roll out a K‐2 curriculum design addressing the priority writing
standards fully aligned with CCSS. This will be clearly communicated to schools prior to implementation in the
Fall of 2012.
The Principal conducts walkthroughs on a daily basis to observe school‐wide instructional strategies. She also
conducts observations and evaluations consistently with the state and district timelines. When there is a need,
I conduct more observations and evaluations to ensure the expectations are being met and implemented. The
principal review weekly lesson plans to look for weekly PASS Objectives, higher thinking questioning, schoolwide
instructional initiative, and resources. PASS Objectives are to be posted in every classroom daily and this
is monitored by our Staff Development Teacher, Instructional Leadership Team and the principal.
DETERMINATION OF CAPACITY BY REVIEWERS AND COMMENTS
A plan for periodic progress monitoring in reading/language arts
DISTRICT EVIDENCE OF CAPACITY SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW
Data‐review teams (cross‐departmental) will analyze multiple indicators of student progress in
reading/Language arts. Teams will be assigned based on the needs of the schools derived from a
comprehensive review and interpretation of data. Content area specialists, as well as ELL, Special Education,
School Improvement, Academic Coordinators, Staff Development Teachers, leadership and accountability will
receive training in coaching and data analysis to ensure all team members are expert in progress monitoring
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