Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
New Bedford Public Schools envisions a learner-centered environment where curriculum, instruction, and assessment are seamlessly integrated to promote equity, creativity, and deep understanding. Through the use of high-quality materials and effective digital tools, we empower educators to design relevant, culturally responsive learning experiences and assessments that support all students in thinking critically, collaborating, and demonstrating mastery in diverse and meaningful ways.
Goal 1: Establish a Centralized Digital Curriculum Toolkit
By the start of the 2025–2026 school year, create and publish a centralized collection of clear, current, and district-approved digital curriculum tools aligned with HQIM (High-Quality Instructional Materials). These tools represent the official resources expected for use in New Bedford Public Schools and will support consistent, standards-aligned instruction across all grade levels.
Action: Conduct a Digital Tool Inventory
- Collect a comprehensive list of all curriculum digital tools (i.e., iReady, Renaissance) currently in use in New Bedford.
- Partner with content leaders, instructional coaches, and department heads to review digital tools.
Timeline
May–June 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMS, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee.
Action: Approval & Compliance
- Verify Tool Compliance and Licensing
- Collaborate with the Information Services team to confirm tools meet data privacy regulations, accessibility guidelines, and licensing requirements.
- Ensure all tools are technically supported and sustainable for ongoing district use.
- Finalize the list of digital curriculum tools that are HQIM-approved and district-supported.
Timeline
July 2025
Point Person(s)
Manager of Information Services, Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Data Privacy Lead
Action: Design & Communication
- Develop Communication Framework
- Standardize tool descriptions: purpose, grade level, subject area, how to access, and support contacts.
- Categorize tools as Core HQIM Curriculum, Supplemental Tools, or Assessment Platforms.
- Build the Digital Resource Guide
- Design a visually clear and easy-to-navigate digital hub (ClassLink folders).
- Include icons, links, brief usage examples, and district expectations for each tool.
Timeline
Summer 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMS, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee
Action: Leadership Briefing
- Create Leadership Messaging
- Develop a slide deck and principal talking points to introduce the approved list to staff
Timeline
August 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMS, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee
Goal 2: Curate a Core Library of Creation & Collaboration Tools
By December 20, 2025, collaborate with district educators to curate and implement a library of no more than 10 essential digital tools that promote student creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Each tool will be aligned to instructional goals, discipline-specific content, and actively integrated into classroom practice across multiple grade levels.
Action: Planning & Collaboration
- Create and Distribute Educator Survey on Creation Tools
- Send a brief survey to all educators asking which digital apps/tools they find most effective for supporting student content creation
- Collaborate with CDAMS to evaluate current digital tools used across the district and identify any gaps, redundancies, or needs.
- Use results to inform tool selection and highlight teacher preferences.
Timeline
September 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Action: Planning & Collaboration Part 2
- Establish a Cross-District Educator Team
- Invite classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum leads from various grade levels and disciplines.
Timeline
October 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Action: Tool Curation & Evaluation
- Prioritize tools from CDAM and teacher advisory that support creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Evaluate Tools Based on Instructional Impact
- Ensure tools meet data privacy requirements and integrate well with ClassLink or Google Workspace.
- Select the final approved list
Timeline
November - December 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Action: Finalization & Rollout Preparation
- Develop a Digital Integration Guide – by December 10
- Create a guide that includes tool overviews, grade-level applications, and instructional strategies.
- Include how-tos, classroom examples, and links to access each tool.
- Coordinate Messaging with Principals and Coaches – by December 15
- Prepare communication materials and PD guidance for school leaders to introduce the tools.
- Launch the Final Tool Library – by December 20
- Publish in a central location (e.g., ClassLink, staff hub) with clear labeling and expectations.
- Promote through internal communication channels and PD sessions.
Timeline
December 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Goal 3: Build Educator Capacity for Digital Tool Integration
By March 2026, develop and implement a professional learning series to support effective classroom integration of HQIM-approved digital curriculum tools and the district’s essential creativity and collaboration tools. This series will include self-paced modules, live workshops, and school-based coaching opportunities to ensure educators feel confident and prepared to use these tools to enhance instruction and student engagement.
Action: Identify Professional Learning Priorities
- Use survey data and feedback from the HQIP and creativity tool rollouts to determine key educator needs.
- Prioritize areas such as tool navigation, instructional strategies, student engagement, and lesson integration.
Timeline
Fall 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Action: Design Self-Paced Learning Modules
- Create short video tutorials, tip sheets, and classroom examples for each core tool.
- Include content on instructional best practices and integration aligned to subject and grade.
Timeline
Fall 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Action: Schedule Live Workshops & Webinars
- Offer after-school sessions and live virtual options for deeper exploration of tool usage.
- Highlight teacher-led sessions and spotlight model classrooms.
Timeline
November 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Action: Launch On-Demand Resource Hub
- Publish all PD content and tool guides in a centralized digital location (e.g., ClassLink, Google Site).
- Ensure it is searchable and organized by grade level and subject area.
Timeline
January 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Action: Provide School-Based Coaching Support
- Coordinate building-level support sessions or instructional coaching around tool integration.
- Collect implementation examples to build internal best-practice libraries.
Timeline
March 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee and MIS Manager
Action: Gather Educator Feedback
- Distribute a follow-up survey to assess confidence, usage, and future PD needs.
- Use data to inform future phases of tool rollout and integration support.
Timeline
Spring 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning
Action: Celebrate & Showcase Success
- Highlight successful integrations in newsletters, at staff meetings, or through a digital showcase.
- Feature educator champions and student examples of high-quality digital learning.
Timeline
Spring 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, CDAMs, and MIS Managers
Long Term Goal 1: Foster Personalized, Culturally Relevant Learning Through Advanced AI and Data Use
By June 2027, New Bedford Public Schools will implement a system-wide approach to personalize instruction through the integration of AI-powered adaptive tools and culturally responsive content, increasing student ownership, engagement, and academic growth across all grade levels.
Action: Form a district task force on AI and personalized learning.
Timeline
Fall 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee, CDAMs, Network Manager, MIS Managers, Principals
Action: Pilot AI-driven platforms in diverse classrooms and collect usage data.
Timeline
Winter 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee, CDAMs, Network Manager, MIS Managers, Principals
Action: Select final tools and establish culturally responsive curriculum frameworks.
Timeline
Spring 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee, CDAMs, Network Manager, MIS Managers, Principals
Action: Full district launch of selected tools
Timeline
Fall 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee, CDAMs, Network Manager, MIS Managers, Principals
Action: Provide tiered PD on instructional shifts toward personalization.
Timeline
Fall 2026 - June 2027
Point Person(s)
TBD
Long Term Goal 2: Establish a Continuous Improvement Cycle for Digital Instructional Tools
By June 2028, New Bedford Public Schools will implement a continuous improvement cycle for digital instructional tools that includes annual review, classroom impact evaluation, and educator/student feedback to ensure resources remain relevant, effective, and aligned with instructional shifts.
Action: Design a review framework with educator input and digital learning benchmarks.
Timeline
Fall 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee, CDAMs, Network Manager, MIS Managers, Principal
Action: Launch a pilot review cycle using 3–5 core tools across grade levels.
Timeline
Winter 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee, CDAMs, Network Manager, MIS Managers, Principal
Action: Expand the cycle to include all approved digital curriculum tools and student-facing platforms.
Timeline
2026-2027
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee, CDAMs, Network Manager, MIS Managers, Principal
Action: Report annually on tool effectiveness and instructional alignment, and adjust tools as needed based on findings.
Timeline
2027 - 2028
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning or designee, CDAMs, Network Manager, MIS Managers, Principal