Curriculum Mapping

Bill Blynt
Sep 08, 2008

Improving the alignment of classroom instruction to district and state standards can have a tremendous impact on student achievement. Research shows student achievement increases in schools where teachers have clarity not only on what to teach, but also on how much classroom time should be allocated to each topic student achievement increases.  Many districts have embarked on some type of curriculum mapping process in an attempt to keep instruction focused on instructional priorities. Mapping traditionally involves groups of teachers and curriculum personnel gathering to discuss and evaluate state standards, code these standards and develop visual maps for use by teachers. It is during the mapping process that teachers gain a deeper understanding of what instructional content or specific skill is important for all their students to learn. Conversations that take place among teachers during the mapping process are rich in vigor and passion. Teachers begin to analyze instruction, state standards and assessments, and student needs. The challenges presented to teachers during a mapping project provide them a forum to change what they are doing to better meet the needs of their students and raise state assessment scores. Mapping done in a collaborative environment can be the impetus to creating a school climate that seeks to continuously align the written and taught curriculum for the purpose of raising student achievement.