Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Include a clearly identified need for the review/renewal (possibly supported by gaps)
There is a need to select a viable ELA curriculum that embraces the Montessori philosophy and ensures an equitable and accessible
21st century education for all students.
How will teachers from various grade/department levels from various buildings contribute to this process?
Collect input from all teachers in Childrens House, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and the Adolescent Program.
Literacy coaches from W-STEM and Wauwatosa Montessori will contribute to this process.
How will outside consultants / experts (could include university level representation) contribute to this process?
The Montessori consultant Phil Dousman has suggested the adoption of a core program. His input will be used as part of this
curriculum design process.
3. Review and analyze the curriculum for alignment with current best practices
The review of current practices includes collaboration with classroom teachers to understand their 3 period lessons. Additionally,
walk-throughs with the principal and the outside Montessori consultant take place.
The current practices are not consistent amongst grade levels and schools. Each teacher has different portfolios in which he/she
has created during his/her Montessori training. Within the 3 period process the teacher provides learning opportunities for
grammar, guided reading with trade books, and independent comprehension practice using SRA. There are some upper
elementary pioneer teachers that are developing and aligning Montessori work cards that are aligned to the districts skill and
strategy scope and sequence.
4. Discuss current program in regards to strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) . Use a series alignment rubric to
ensure the instrucaitonal materials are researched based and proven.
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
Staff How well does the current program meet the needs of students?
Students What types of ways are they learning in (insert subject here)?
Parents What types of ways is your child learning in (insert subject here)?
6. Collaborate with Institutes of Higher Education and community members regarding the expected rigor
and alignment with College Career Readiness skills.
Demonstrate examples of expected rigor and alignment with College Career Readiness skills. Create a Montessori Curriculum
Council which will meet regularly at first and then four times a year thereafter.
9. Propose one program for pilot and request initial materials purchase
TBD
10. Create SMART goal to guide process in a focused manner
TBD
Specific
Measureable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-Bound
TBD