School Committee Introduces Comprehensive Curriculum Management Plan
New four-phase approach aims to systematically review and update curricula while technology department strengthens cybersecurity measures
SCITUATE - May 5 - The Scituate School Committee has introduced a multi-year curriculum management plan designed to systematically review and update curricula across all subject areas. The plan, presented by Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch, establishes a structured approach to curriculum review that will extend through 2031.
"An engaging aligned curriculum is an essential component of successful teaching and learning," Lynch explains during his presentation to the committee.
The curriculum management plan is divided into four critical phases: review, recommend and develop, implement, and monitor and refine. This continuous cycle ensures curricula remain current and effective.
"We have the benefit to be in a district where there's a large and firm commitment to having a strong curriculum and the resources to back it up as well as the teachers to implement it," Lynch says.
In the review phase, departments form committees comprising department chairs, curriculum coordinators, teachers, principals, and parents to evaluate current curricula. The district partners with specialized organizations like Hill Literacy to collect input from educators and analyze assessment data.
"They both survey teachers in the department and also can be teacher focus groups about what teachers feel like they need in terms of professional development and programming and where things are going well," Lynch notes about the review process.
The second phase involves developing recommendations based on the needs assessment. Departments pilot potential programs, collect feedback from staff and students, and make recommendations for implementation.
During the implementation phase, the recommended programs and texts are introduced, with staff participating in professional development. The final phase involves monitoring outcomes and refining the curriculum as needed.
Currently, English Language Arts for grades 6-12 is in the review phase, while Social Studies is concluding the recommend and develop phase. Science for grades PK-5 will enter the review phase in the 2025-26 school year.
Committee members expressed interest in ensuring parent and student feedback is incorporated throughout the process. A member emphasized the importance of capturing different perspectives.
"I'm wondering where the student feedback is in the review process," she says. "I'm just wondering in the case where potentially a teacher's experience does not match the students' experience."
The member added, "I think it's just like, there's a teacher school perception and a family student perception. Often they are aligned. And sometimes they're not."
Lynch acknowledged these suggestions, noting that the plan aims to collect information from those closest to teaching while also considering ways to incorporate family feedback.
The curriculum management plan aligns with the district's budget planning and aims to create a more predictable cycle for curriculum updates, allowing for better resource allocation and staff preparation.
In a separate presentation, Director of Educational Technology Jacqui Frongello outlined significant improvements to the district's technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures.
The four-person technology team supports six schools, more than 400 staff members, and approximately 2,000 students. Recent accomplishments include securing a $10,000 MIIA grant to strengthen cybersecurity and implementing a 24/7 managed detection and response platform.
"Our most vulnerable times are when we're not here," Frongello explains. "So, it's very secure to know that we do have something in place for when we're not here."
The technology department has also received a grant for cybersecurity training for staff and has updated all devices to Windows 11 and Office 2024 to ensure proper security patches.
"We are doing our best today so we can be better for tomorrow and keep our technology as safe, reliable and secure," Frongello says.
The team has handled 2,638 tech support requests and repaired 728 devices since the beginning of the school year. They also manage the district website and app, having created and published more than 200 posts to keep families informed.
Future plans include developing a cyber incident response plan, continuing cybersecurity training for staff, and creating resources to support digital safety and compliance in the classroom.
Committee members expressed appreciation for the technology team's work while noting the challenges of having communications responsibilities embedded within the technology department.
"Technology and everything that was just described to us is a full job at least for these folks. And then the comms piece that we also know is really really important is just there as well and it's different," a member observes.
The School Committee also:
- Heard a report on the American Legion oratorical contest, which awarded scholarships to three high school juniors who delivered speeches on constitutional topics
- Approved surplus elementary school desks and equipment from Wampatuck Elementary
- Discussed the committee's data subcommittee progress toward increasing data literacy
- Shared insights from the National School Board Association conference, focusing on board effectiveness and community trust
- Reminded the community about Teacher Appreciation Week and the upcoming town election on May 31, which includes a vote on funding for the vocational technical school building project
The committee emphasized the importance of the debt exclusion vote for the vocational technical school, noting that if not approved, funding would need to come from the existing town budget.