CHSL615 Teaching and Learning: Curriculum, Assessment and School Culture (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CHSL600  
The purpose of this course is to empower current and aspiring charter school leaders by equipping them with knowledge and skills required to be effective instructional leaders. In the current environment, a charter school leader must have a working knowledge of standards-based curriculum, data-driven instruction, and culturally responsive teaching. Additionally, the leader must understand effective teaching strategies as well as be an effective supervisor of instruction. Furthermore, the leader must understand that the mission and vision statements of a charter school drive all aspects of the school, including the instructional programs. Students examine models of supervision, professional development, pedagogical theory, and program assessment. They develop an effective supervision model for a school. In addition, relationships and communication with internal and external stakeholders are explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze and evaluate a school’s curriculum, programs, and instructional practices to ensure alignment with school mission and vision and state education standards.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing alignment between a school mission and vision statement and its instructional programs (Special Education, Title, ELL, mainstream, others).
3. Evaluate classroom instructional practices to determine effectiveness.
4. Analyze how the charter school learning environment impacts student growth and development.
5. Develop student, staff and program measures of success.
6. Evaluate models of data-driven instruction including data collection and analysis, matching curriculum and programs to student needs, and progress monitoring.
7. Apply culturally responsive teaching tenets to plan for effective instruction.