Scenario Response 2

When serving on a curriculum committee, I believe it is essential to establish a structured tool for screening both curriculum and assessments. A checklist provides consistency and helps ensure that all members are evaluating materials with the same criteria in mind. Below is a proposed checklist that I think could serve this purpose:

Curriculum & Assessment Screening Checklist

Cultural Relevance

• Does the content represent multiple cultures and perspectives fairly and accurately?

• Are the authors, characters, and contexts diverse and reflective of students’ backgrounds?

• Does the curriculum encourage students to connect their cultural experiences to the material?

Non-Bias

• Is the language used neutral and free of stereotypes?

• Are examples inclusive of different genders, languages, and abilities?

• Do assessments avoid idiomatic expressions or cultural references that may disadvantage some students?

Alignment to Standards

• Are the lessons and assessments aligned to state and national standards?

• Do learning objectives and outcomes clearly reflect required benchmarks?

• Are the skills taught transferable across disciplines and grade levels?

Differentiation

• Does the curriculum include scaffolds for English language learners and struggling readers?

• Are there multiple pathways for students to demonstrate mastery (projects, discussions, written work)?

• Can lessons be adapted to support students with IEPs or advanced learners?

By applying this checklist, a committee can ensure that the materials chosen are equitable, academically rigorous, and responsive to the diverse needs of students. This kind of screening also supports teachers by providing clear guidance on why particular resources were selected and how they promote both access and achievement.