The “Safety Net” Curriculum

 

 

What is a Safety Net Curriculum?

The Safety Net is a very limited set of learning objectives organized for each grade and for each subject. It is not the total curriculum-just the “safety net” that every teacher should ensure students know and master. But every teacher should ensure that every student understands the items inside of the Safety Net. The simple truth is this: few teachers ever cover the entire textbook or the entire curriculum. Often the decisions about what to cover is based on sequence at which we cover the items that are listed early in the curriculum document or textbook, and so we do not cover the items that are listed late in those documents. The Safety Net offers a better alternative: student learning of what is most important. The focus of the Safety Net is on learning, not on mere coverage. Every student in the district deserves an equal opportunity for learning Safety Net standards. The Safety Net allows every student in the district an opportunity for learning what is most essential.

 

 

What is the Purpose of the Safety Net Curriculum?

The purpose of the Safety Net is to empower teachers to make wise decisions about what is most important in the curriculum. The Safety Net is not a device to ignore everything else in the curriculum, but rather a mechanism to help teachers separate the critical elements of a curriculum from learning objectives that are less important

 

 

Teachers are guided in determining the safety net standards. Three questions guide the selection of Safety Net Learning Objectives:

1. What endures? What skills and knowledge will students gain that last from one academic year to the next?

2. What is essential for progress to the next level of instruction?

3. What contributes to understanding of other standards?

 

 

Who:

· Safety Net Standards Curriculum is meant for teachers and instructional leaders.

· Districts that already have a curriculum document may be interested in this process.

· Client-booked trainings are full at 30.

 

 

When:

· This training is completed in one day.

· Schedule is 8:00am to 4:00pm.

 

 

Where:

· District sponsored trainings will take place at the district or campus sites.

· A room with enough wall space to post 15 flip charts. A computer lab with printer

 

 

Getting Started: To discuss your options for implementation or for answers to any questions, please call or email Learning Keys at 800-927-0478