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Implementing curriculum change: Top tips

 

 

1) Get ready


Getting ready for implementing curriculum change means:

 
1 - Being clear about what is happening and why

  • get information from credible sources
  • connect it with your school context and vision 
  • use professional networks for sense-checking 
  • be sure to communicate the purpose of the change 

 

2 - Connecting everyone involved 

  • ensure all members of your school community are on board, including teachers, parents and whānau, support staff, board members, and students 

 

3 - Setting expectations

  • be clear about what must be done 
  • show teachers what ‘good’ implementation will look like and check for shared understanding 

 

 

 

2) Get set


Getting set for implementing curriculum change means: 

 

1 - Developing a plan 

  • break the overall change down into a series of small, manageable steps 
  • consider your school’s context – student needs, staff capability, access to support 
  • identify a clear sequence of actions and timeframes 

 

2 - Establishing a leader 

  • decide who will be the person responsible for overseeing the implementation eg. DP, syndicate lead, learning area expert 
  • support this leader to oversee communications, set clear expectations, support staff, and monitor change 

 

3 - Connecting teachers with the guidance, resources, and PLD to know what to do 

  • find out what supports are available, e.g. PLD, online resources, models of good practice and expert teachers

 

 

 

3) Go

 

Actually implementing curriculum change means: 

 

1 - Supporting teachers to make changes

  • actively support teachers by building in practices such as regular observations and feedback, mentoring, and regular collaboration time 

 

2 - Monitoring how things are going 

  • ensure change is taking place through: Walk arounds, lesson observations, monitoring student achievement data, gathering student voice, and regular practice sharing

 

3 - Adapting as needed 

  • be prepared to revisit and review plans when things aren’t working 
  • understand barriers before finding solutions 

 


More info: 

Want more detail, including evidence-based strategies and stories? Check out our full good practice guide here at evidence.ero.govt.nz