Curriculum Development and Management Software Key Terms

Know the lingo of curriculum development and management software
By Kathryn Keep Choosing and implementing the right curriculum development and management software takes a little know-how, but there are many advantages. Curriculum development and management software can simplify the process of curriculum mapping. Web-based software can offer the convenience of access from anywhere. The right software can help your school develop a standards-based curriculum that uses both formative and summative assessments. It is also great for tracking professional development of administration and teachers. By knowing curriculum development and management software key terms, you'll be able to make the best choice for your needs.
 

Curriculum mapping

Curriculum mapping involves collecting and recording information about your school's curriculum and how it is performing. Software can help teachers compile and review results by subject and grade level. Educators can use the results for projection mapping to make decisions about what they will cover in the future.
Try: Read more about curriculum mapping at Education World. Check out Atlas by Rubicon for more information on the benefits of curriculum mapping software.

Web-based software

Web-based software has the advantage of having information stored online rather than on a local system. This means information is accessible any time, even at remote locations, and cannot be easily lost.
Try: For a good example of what web-based curriculum software can do, check out TeacherEase by Common Goal Systems.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is an ongoing process that engages students in self-assessment as they learn. This can include goal setting, teacher observation and peer evaluations.
Try: Visit Exemplars for tips on successfully utilizing formative assessment techniques.

Summative assessments

Summative assessments occur after learning to determine student progress. This includes testing like state assessments, midterm exams and end-of-unit exams.
Try: For more information on the value of summative assessment and how it differs from formative assessment, visit the National Middle School Association.

Professional development

In the simplest of terms, professional development means continuing to learn. Teachers and administrators not only need professional development, but also a way to track it. Software often helps keep track of classes, seminars and other professional training activities undertaken by educators.
Try: Learn more about the benefits of professional development for teachers at American Federation of Teachers.

Standards-based curriculum

A standards-based curriculum uses statewide education standards to determine what students should be taught in each subject at each grade level.
Try: To learn more about the need for standards-based curriculum, visit the New York State Education Department.