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Curriculum

About Our Curriculum

The Worcester Public School District strives to support and inspire students to become life-long learners who are highly literate, creative thinkers, strategic problem-solvers, and effective communicators. Our students are self-directed and critically examine, carefully weigh, and manage complex information presented through multiple sources. We view our district’s rich cultural diversity and each student’s unique identity as assets to our school, local, and global communities. Our schools aspire to educate students to become informed and contributing citizens of the world who translate their learning into meaningful actions. We are committed to making sure every student feels valued as a member of our school community and has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Worcester Public Schools align efforts to have students show growth in their ability to read fluently, comprehend deeply, think analytically, and respond effectively across all areas of curriculum. This is accomplished through the implementation of rigorous, evidence-based instructional practices and a standards-based curriculum that allows students to graduate college and career ready. This work is designed through the lenses of Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.

The Worcester Public Schools’ staff is supported by the Worcester Public Schools Office of Curriculum and Professional Learning.

Massachusetts Frameworks

The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks provide teachers, students and families with clear and shared expectations for what all students should know and be able to do at the end of each year. They represent a promise of equitable education for all students. They formalize the expectation that all students in the Commonwealth have access to the same academic content, regardless of their zip code, background, or abilities.” (Massachusetts Department of Education)

The Worcester Public Schools follows the content, literacy, and practice standards outlined by the Massachusetts Frameworks. The link above will bring you to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education where you can search the Frameworks by subject area.

Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that informs educators on designing learning environments and delivering instruction based on scientific insights into how humans learn. Learning opportunities designed from a UDL lens aim to offer the learner a variety of opportunities for engagement, representation, and action and expression, ensuring that all learners can access and participate in the learning experience in a meaningful way.

Visit the UDL Learning Guidelines by CAST or click the links below to learn more.

 

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

The Worcester Public Schools recognizes that culture is central to learning. Learner centered culturally responsive education simultaneously upholds high standards for academic excellence and cultural competence. It honors the strengths, cultures, lives and experiences of all students and provides them with meaningful and authentic learning experiences.

Worcester Public School staff ensure that all students:

  • have sufficient access to opportunities and supports to achieve high academic achievement
  • can see their culture and identity reflected in what they learn
  • feel respected and valued as members of the school community
  • have a sense of agency and empowerment over their own life
  • are inspired to make a positive difference

The content and process facilitation of this work has been provided by Dr. Giselle O. Martin-Kniep, President of Learner-Centered Initiatives, Ltd.