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Essay Instructions: Curriculum Specialist Knowledge and Skills assignment: The paper should include a title page in APA format. Due to the nature of the paper, the rest of the paper does not need to adhere to APA format unless a reference page is included. Think about the necessary skills and knowledge the Curriculum Specialist will need. Make a list of at least 6 skills (such as critical thinking) you believe a Curriculum Specialist would need, and at least 6 types of knowledge (such as being well-versed in state standards) you believe a Curriculum Specialist would need, in order to successfully carry out the job described. Do not include any of the qualifications for the job (such as Master's Degree). After listing the skills and knowledge the Curriculum Specialist would need, defend each of the items on your list with an explanation, referring to course materials or experience whenever possible. List these skills and knowledge in a numbered or bulleted form. If you use any resources (including the job description itself), include the proper citations in APA format.
Here's some additional information on the Curriculum Specialist Knowledge and Skills assignment:
Rationale: Curriculum Specialists bear responsibility for the evaluation and assessment of curriculum, instruction, and assessments in many schools and school districts around the country. As we learn how to perform those evaluations, it is also valuable to look closely at the knowledge and skills required to successfully perform that job. This assignment will provide insight into the role of the curriculum specialist, specifically the knowledge and skills necessary for that role.
Scenario: Imagine you are an Assistant Superintendent of a school district, and the Superintendent has decided it is time to add the position of Curriculum Specialist to the administration. The job description is already written, adapted from job descriptions used in other school districts.
Your task is to define the knowledge and skills that successful candidates must have and explain why they are necessary. Your report will be presented to the School Board, as a means of defining the role of curriculum specialist and gaining approval for the addition of the position.
As in most communities, the School Board is made up of laypersons from the community and are not trained educators. Explain your reasons clearly for each item of knowledge and skill listed, and refrain from relying on assumptions or educational "common sense." Provide specific examples from your experience and educational sources to defend your reasons.


Thank you,
Elaine Marsh

Essay Instructions: Curriculum Handbook Project – 20 points

This course is one of the sequence of required courses for the Curriculum and Instruction graduate degree. To be assured all candidates will develop a thorough understanding of their own curriculum area of responsibility, you will research and explore the philosophical, historical, social, and political background of your curricular area. As all curricular areas are currently shaped by National Standards, your research will begin with the origin and the related background of the curricular area you choose. This Curriculum Handbook will provide you with a resource for future work and study with assigned work in the sequence of courses in Curriculum and Instruction. The assignment will also provide you with information that is essential to understand past and present trends and issues in our system of education.

Part I – Timeline of Events (5 points)

•Research the origin of the curricular area indicating important developments in educational policy-making that were influenced or shaped by historical/societal events, prevailing or changing philosophies, economic conditions, the political climate, etc. Timelines will be shared with class members.

•Identify curriculum standards and the authoring organization. Include a written summary of the possible philosophical, historical/social, and economic/political influences that may have shaped the past guidelines/frameworks and present National Standards adoptions and adaptations.

•Compare the National Standards to your State Curriculum to determine if there is any influence or relationship. Summarize your findings.

•Review your Local Curriculum to assess the relationship among the National Standards, the State Curriculum, and the Local Curriculum. Summarize your findings.

There are faxes for this order.

Essay Instructions: Curriculum Review
This project is designed to provide you with 1) an opportunity to become knowledgeable about a contemporary curriculum program that interests you; 2) an opportunity to share your findings with the class and 3) a number of handy summaries and critiques of curriculum programs prepared by your classmates.
For this project you will select a Curriculum Program from the course list (or a different one for which you receive approval in advance). You will conduct research into the approach you have chosen and prepare a critical review.
Steps:
1. Take some time to browse the websites of different programs in order to choose one that especially interests you. Then, choose one.
2. Read a selection of materials, including (but not limited to) the website for your chosen program
3. Read one independent research article about your chosen program. (It’s okay if it is listed on the website as long as it represents work conducted by scholars independent of the organization they are writing about.)
4. Prepare a 1-2 page written summary of the program organized by the following headings in the order below:
a. philosophy/guiding principles;
b. history and current status;
c. schools in our region that employ the program;
d. approach to curriculum development, instruction, evaluation, and staff development as relevant;
e. Implementation strategy
Note: It is okay to quote heavily from the website or other sources in completing your summary. Please make sure, however, that you cite any and all sources that you quote or paraphrase.. Also, please be sure to format your summary according to the headings above.
5. Prepare a one page summary of the research article about the program. Include an appropriate citation for each article.
6. Prepare a 1 page written critique identifying strengths and limitations based on your personal beliefs and knowledge of curriculum. Include a bibliography as necessary.

There are faxes for this order.

Essay Instructions: Curriculum Sharing

Grant programs at the state/province level that utilize and/or create information systems such as the E-Learning program in Massachusetts can have significant impacts on local school district policies and on instruction in the local schools.

Your Assignment

In 3 pages describe possible positive as well as negative impacts of curriculum sharing and student learning. Research further articles if necessary. Tell why you think the impacts are possible.