Standardizing the curriculumA new, uniform "core curriculum" is being put in place by the School District at all Philadelphia schools. Last year, reading and math instruction in grades K-9 was standardized. This fall, a uniform curriculum was introduced in high school English, math, science, and social studies. While many have welcomed the new materials and the consistency, others are criticizing the effects of standardization.

2003-2004: a data snapshot (requires Adobe Acrobat reader)

Core curriculum brings uniformity, new challengesJessica Oliff

The District's new core curriculum: a glossary of termscompiled by Toni Bynum Simpkins, Jessica Oliff, and Ros Purnell

Terms relating to testing and assessment

Timeline: standardizing the curriculum

Origins of the standardized curriculum

Contracting out: 10 contracts to know about

Teachers grapple with challenges of literacy instructionJessica Oliff

Eight components of literacy instruction

Groups charge curriculum falls short in addressing diversityBeandrea Davis

ESOL curriculum addresses longtime need, but concerns persistBeandrea Davis

District ELL programs: a troubled past

Despite safety net, are some students being left behind?Ron Whitehorne

Now in college, Philly grads give advice on deficits in curriculumBenjamin Herold

Students suggest curriculum changesQaid Hassan

Teachers give District's training mixed reviewsJessica Oliff

What is good professional development?

Teacher training: what's planned for this year?Jessica Oliff

Some school managers bring in their own curriculumKarel Kilimnik and Jessica Oliff

Teachers look back at first year with the new curriculumInterviews by Ron Whitehorne and Jessica Oliff

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PFT contract: key questions in the disputePaul Socolar

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Notebook celebrates 10 years of publishing, throws a partyMoira Moody

The Notebook's Fall edition cartoonEric Joselyn

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