Dr. Alice Christie's EDT 547: Using Technology in Language Arts and Social Studies Education

School Wide Curriculum Mapping: Improving Student Learning K-12
by Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs
from the AzTEA Volume 2, Issue 1 Newsletter

Curriculum mapping is a process and a technology tool for articulating what actually happens in a classroom, school, or district. It is a calendar based compilation of the content, skills, and assessments that a child experiences at each grade level. It not
only shows you the proposed itinerary of the child’s journey, but more importantly it documents the “actual trip” the child has taken. In this way teachers can look within a grade level as well as across grade levels vertically to get a true picture of grade, building to building.

Communication is enhanced within a school and between schools sharing the same learners. They increase communication between administrator and staff; teacher and parent; teacher and students. We are able to solve problems in schools more effectively with accurate information that tells us what is going on in classroom life. In the past we often have communicated in meetings by referring to guidelines which have never reflected what has actually happened. Consider how medical doctors are very clear that “guidelines” help inform their decisions, but do not reflect what happens with each patient. Each patient is different and those differences are reflected in real time records. In this way, the calendar is also a significant communication touchstone. Teachers are always making choices based on the limits of the school year, the school day, class size, and the ability range of learners. Maps reflect those choices.

The reality of mapping allows for dynamic decision-making. School professionals can make decisions that reflect the cumulative nature of learning. Meaning rather than just focusing on the one year a teacher has with a child, we can step back and see the big picture. Technology has made this possible. Just as we go to MAPQUEST on the internet to determine the level of detail we need when driving from place to place, a school can go into mapping technology and get the level of curriculum detail needed to assist in making classroom experiences work. There are connections between every class that are forged through thoughtful review and revision of the maps. The whole school becomes a team.

Exciting breakthroughs are currently emerging with curriculum mapping technology. The most promising new developments are direct links to assessment data warehouses; the analysis of those assessment data that directly links to maps; international search features that allow teachers to post and receiving lesson plans from colleagues around the world; and, student entering their own curriculum maps. A common practice is the use of mapping for all professional development and building initiatives. In short, curriculum mapping is not “another trend”; it is a critical 21st vehicle for solving problems and helping our learners.