Leading Curriculum Improvement: Fundamentals for School Principals

This book offers clear guidance for facilitating curriculum improvement at the building level. It includes real-life scenarios that principals encounter, accompanied by strategies to help schools sustain focus on student learning and continuous organizational development. It is aimed at current and prospective administrators looking to update or refresh their understandings of curriculum leadership fundamentals. Its actionable ideas and useful examples can be applied across multiple school subjects and grade levels. Its practical overviews center on seven questions essential to planning, coordinating, overseeing, and supporting collective improvement efforts:

• Which big ideas set the stage for curriculum leadership?

• How can leaders help focus the curriculum?

• When is curriculum mapping useful?

• What are other curriculum support strategies?

• Where do more integrated models come in?

• What about alternatives to standardized curricula?

• Why do philosophy & political leadership matter?

Though principal is used as shorthand, the concepts and tools highlighted are equally relevant to the work of teacher leaders, instructional coordinators, central office personnel, and others interested in PreK-12 curriculum improvement.