Implementing curriculum change: Top tips poster

1) Get ready

Getting ready for implementing curriculum change means:

 
1 - Being clear about what is happening and why

• get information from credible sources
• connect it with your school context and vision 
• use professional networks for sense-checking 
• be sure to communicate the purpose of the change 

2 - Connecting everyone involved 

• ensure all members of your school community are on board, including teachers, parents and whānau, support staff, board members, and students 

3 - Setting expectations

• be clear about what must be done 
• show teachers what ‘good’ implementation will look like and check for shared understanding 

2) Get set

Getting set for implementing curriculum change means: 

1 - Developing a plan 

• break the overall change down into a series of small, manageable steps 
• consider your school’s context – student needs, staff capability, access to support 
• identify a clear sequence of actions and timeframes 

2 - Establishing a leader 

• decide who will be the person responsible for overseeing the implementation eg. DP, syndicate lead, learning area expert 
• support this leader to oversee communications, set clear expectations, support staff, and monitor change 

3 - Connecting teachers with the guidance, resources, and PLD to know what to do 

• find out what supports are available, e.g. PLD, online resources, models of good practice and expert teachers

3) Go

Actually implementing curriculum change means: 

1 - Supporting teachers to make changes

• actively support teachers by building in practices such as regular observations and feedback, mentoring, and regular collaboration time 

2 - Monitoring how things are going 

• ensure change is taking place through: Walk arounds, lesson observations, monitoring student achievement data, gathering student voice, and regular practice sharing

3 - Adapting as needed 

• be prepared to revisit and review plans when things aren’t working 
• understand barriers before finding solutions 

More info: 

Want more detail, including evidence-based strategies and stories? Check out our full good practice guide here at evidence.ero.govt.nz