Curriculum Updates

Curriculum serves as the roadmap for what students will learn and how they will acquire essential knowledge and skills. The importance of curriculum in schools cannot be overstated, as it shapes the educational experience of students and lays the foundation for their future success.  NSPS curriculum documents can be found on this, the Teaching and Learning portion of the district website. The curriculum documents include standards’ articulation documents that NSPS educators have developed to “unpack” the standards and share the philosophy and goals of a specific educational program. Each curriculum is accompanied by a “Yearly Framework” that establishes sequences both within and between levels and assures a coherent and articulated progression from grade to grade outlining units of study, essential questions, objectives and assessment practices. NSPS works to continually enhance and refine instructional programming though adoption of high quality programs. 

English Language Arts (ELA)
NSES has implemented the “ReadyGen” core reading program, NSMS utliizes “My Perspectives” and NSHS implements the “StudySync” program. All three  programs  have been designated as high-quality by the RI Department of Education, align with state and national standards, and provide a clear roadmap for teachers. NSPS was awarded the competitive CLSD grant funds to support the adoption and implementation of the high-quality programs. Reading interventions address the unique needs of all learners providing targeted strategies and techniques that cater to their strengths and challenges. One approach that NSPS utilizes to support struggling readers is the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach to reading instruction. NSPS special educators, reading specialists and elementary classroom teachers have been trained in the OG approach to instruction.

Mathematics
NSES has implemented the Eureka high-quality curriculum and NSMS/NSHS implements the Envison math program. Both programs  align with state and national standards. This year, we plan to update/refine our elementary math program from Eureka to Eureka squared with the help of ESSER funds. Our high-quality curriculum materials engage students, promote critical thinking, and foster a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

Science
NSMS Science educators are in the process of evaluating science programs aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS.) In 2019, RIGL§ 16.22.30-33 was passed which requires districts to adopt curricula programs that are designated as “high-quality” by the RI Department of Education. ESSER funding will support the adoption and implementation of the new science curriculum.

Health
In June 2022, the RI Department of Education published the Curriculum Framework for Health Education K-12. Our K-12 Health educators are in the process of developing and refining health curriculum to align with the new framework. All health curriculum documents can be found on the Teaching and Learning tab of the district website. It is anticipated that all health curriculum documents will be updated by Spring 2024.

Social Studies
Revised Rhode Island Rhode Island Social Studies Standards were endorsed by the Council for Elementary and Secondary Education in February 2023. The standards focus on four domains: Civics and Government, History, Geography, and Economics. This year our social studies teachers will review the standards and make recommendations for program adjustments. I would like to thank Valarie Carnevale and Natalie OBrien for searheading this work.