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One important but often overlooked responsibility of the School Committee is approving new curricula for students. Ensuring access to high-quality, standards-aligned curricular materials is one of the most impactful ways to enhance student achievement. Research consistently shows that when a strong curriculum is paired with professional development, it can lead to significant academic gains—equivalent to an additional half-year of learning. A well-structured curriculum plays a vital role in shaping student success and preparing them for the future.
The Importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
A well-designed curriculum should support all learners. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) ensures inclusivity by offering multiple ways for students to engage with material. It supports advanced learners, helps struggling learners with scaffolds, and promotes inclusion in general education classrooms.
If elected, I will advocate for UDL to be prioritized in every curriculum review, ensuring our classrooms are designed to meet the needs of every student from the outset.
SPS Curriculum Challenges
ELA Curriculum: Delayed and Incomplete Rollout
MCAS results show the need for stronger literacy outcomes in SPS. The six-year English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum rollout raises concerns: delayed implementation left elementary students without improved materials, middle school ELA was not addressed, UDL integration was treated as an afterthought, and the adoption faced challenges with instructional time and teacher training.
World Language: A Long-Delayed Review
The elementary World Language review has been a Tier 2 budget priority for too long, leaving students without valuable language learning opportunities. If elected, I will advocate for a formal review and, if deprioritized, push for a working group to explore alternative ways to maximize learning.
Project-Based Learning (PBL): A Key to Engagement
Curriculum should not only be rigorous but also engaging and relevant to students. Project-Based Learning (PBL), another important Tier 2 budget initiative, deepens student understanding by connecting learning to real-world challenges. PBL opportunities will enhance critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. If elected, I will advocate for the district to establish a working group that will explore ways to provide more PBL opportunities to our students.
Middle & Elementary School Math
At Curtis Middle School, the math curriculum and its implementation should be reviewed to ensure alignment with DESE’s recommendations for a stronger math foundation. Additionally, the Bridges math curriculum in elementary schools is not being implemented as intended, with only 60 minutes of math instead of the recommended 90. This gap in instruction time needs to be addressed to ensure students are making effective progress.
Expanding Opportunities for Learning
I commend SPS for adopting a disability curriculum and hope it becomes a permanent part of the grade 3-5 Social and Emotional Learning program. I also encourage the district to use free, high-quality curricula on race, gender, and disability history, which align with DESE guidelines to enhance engagement and create a more inclusive and safe school environment.
A Better Approach to Curriculum Review
To improve educational outcomes, SPS must conduct regular internal and external curriculum reviews, implement a timely review cycle, and streamline rollouts to avoid delays. Ensuring proper instructional time and professional development will support effective implementation. Addressing gaps in middle school ELA and math is critical, and prioritizing UDL from the start will create more inclusive classrooms for all students.
The Path Forward: Oversight, Transparency, and Funding
If elected, I will advocate for:
📌 Budget lines for regular curriculum reviews and updates, reducing reliance on free cash.
📌 Adequate funding for professional development, ensuring teachers feel confident with new materials.
📌 An elementary World Language review or a working group to explore alternatives.
📌 Stronger UDL implementation for more inclusive classrooms that can meet the needs of all learners.
📌 Review of supplemental curriculums focused on providing a safe, supportive environment for all students.
Sudbury students deserve a rigorous, inclusive curriculum for success. With timely reviews, UDL, project-based learning, and proper teacher training, we can provide the best education for all.
***To read my thoughts about improving after-school care in Sudbury, click here. For more information about my campaign, please visit www.Sues4SPS.com.***