Memo Curriculum Revision Project

Roy Wally Public Schools
Wallyworld High School
229 Cowan Ave, Camp Crystal Lake, NJ 90210

Marisa Sierchio & Michael Menditto Telephone-201-867-5309
Co-Supervisors-Science Department Fax 201-619-1984

November 25, 2008

To: Dr. Clark W. Griswald, Superintendent

From: Marisa Sierchio & Michael Menditto, Co-Supervisors-Science Department

Re: Curriculum Redesign/Lab Class


This curriculum redesign is intended to bring forth a more comprehensive Science Curriculum by following the Understanding by Design Model. Within the redesign effort we are proposing to change this current Integrated Science course to a lab course. Our current curriculum encompasses a mixture of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics. In regards to these phases of science our current curriculum is extremely vague. There are no essential questions, few examples of cohesive planning and mapping, no “hands on” activities, lacks assessment alternatives and flexibility. Current curriculum strategies are strictly traditional based and have become outdated. This current methodology does not provide the student with an opportunity to self-assess or reflect on the learning process.

The proposed new curriculum is progressive in nature and will help our teachers unlearn their traditional methodology. Following the UBD Curriculum allows teachers to start the planning process with the end in mind. This vision of where we want students to be will enable our students to make connections, think creatively, and accelerate the learning process. The new lab course curriculum will require “hands on” learning and assessments. The lab course will provide concrete examples of student applications from the knowledge the students have acquired throughout the new course curriculum. The proposed new curriculum is in alignment with the NJ Core Content Curriculum Standards.
Implementing a new lab and following the UBD Curriculum Redesign Model will best prepare our students to be productive 21st century learners. This will also help our teachers plan lessons through the usage of essential questions that will promote critical thinking and inquiry. With the adoption of this proposal, goals will have been clarified and designed before the actual classroom activities. Our proposed Lab class will provide the students with the real life experiences that are necessary to move forward in today’s competitive society. The lab will be more of a learning community which will allow our students to experience Mihaly’s “flow”.