The elementary school curriculum has seen a variety of adjustments and changes this year due to changes in the Standards of Learning. In light of these changes, many teachers have requested additional resources to aid in the day-to-day implementation of the new curriculum.

From that feedback, administration has worked to create several avenues for teachers to share successful lesson plans and assessments as well as to have access to recommended practices, activities and classroom guides.

By now, elementary teachers should have received new curriculum planning guides with resources including pacing schedules, assessments and graphic organizers. These tools are online as well, and can be accessed at vbcps.com.

In addition, teachers have the ability to share original materials online. Teachers may choose to upload any lesson plan, assessment or activity to a newly designed SharePoint site, where other teachers from across the division can access them.

Teachers have advised administration that they would like to have opportunities to meet with their peers across the school division to share successful learning plans, assessments and instructional strategies and to simply brainstorm on how to best address future challenges. To accommodate this expressed need, the departments of Curriculum and Instruction and the Center for Teacher Leadership have set up Elementary Sharing Meetings across the school division.

As the school year continues, principals and central administration will work together to address any questions and concerns teachers might have about changes to the Standards of Learning and the school division’s curriculum alignment. Teachers are encouraged to communicate with their school principals or talk with coordinators and instructional specialists in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Central office administrators, coordinators and specialists are working cooperatively to ensure the proper supports are in place to help elementary teachers navigate the changes. Teachers and principals may contact joe.burnsworth@vbschools.com  Shirann.lewis@vbschools.com or Jeanne.crocker@vbschools.com  should they have an issue or concern that needs leadership input.

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