High quality Tier 1 RTI curriculum
Posted by Beth DuBose on Oct 01, 2008
Ten questions to ask when choosing high quality Tier 1 RTI curriculum
One entry within CEC’s RTI blog talks about how choosing the right curriculum for Tier 1 is highly important in providing a comprehensive core curriculum to all students. They provided ten questions that we should ask ourselves to make sure we are selecting high quality curriculum to use during Tier 1 instruction:
1. Is it comprehensive? A good curriculum cannot just focus on academics, but must address the whole child by setting goals for children’s growth in every area.
2. Is learning integrated? Children learn through everything they do, not just when the teacher sits down to instruct. The curriculum should include opportunities to learn throughout the day (e.g., play, transitions, and project work).
3. Are a variety of instructional approaches used? Because there is no one way to teach or learn, teachers must use a variety of approaches including explicit instruction, child discovery, and small and large groups.
4. Is the curriculum developmentally appropriate? Is it appropriate for the children’s ages, cultures, and individual needs and interests?
5. Is the curriculum based on accepted early childhood research and theory?
6. Is there evidence that the curriculum works? Has the curriculum’s effectiveness been documented through research?
7. Are there clear goals for learning that reflect child development theory, state early learning standards, and recommended practices?
8. Does the curriculum actively involve all children? All children should be interested and actively engaged in exploration, experimentation, and problem solving.
9. Are families expected to participate? Parents are encouraged to consider and fill many roles in planning, implementing, and evaluating the early childhood program.
10. Do professionals have a variety of ongoing professional opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills to implement the curriculum effectively?
The author adapted these questions from the Recognition and Response framework.