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Curriculum and Instruction

Our Vision for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

We believe in "Inspiring and Challenging Our Students" through a curriculum that creates active, connected learning environments where each student can thrive. In an active learning environment, students think critically, collaborate effectively, ask questions, solve problems, communicate new ideas, and create content in addition to consuming it. In a connected learning environment, students feel safe, supported, and engaged, allowing them to discover their passions and purpose. We recognize that active, connected learning is maximized when we meet students’ needs academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. BCSD uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework to achieve this vision. 

In our classrooms, we provide students with explicit instruction in all curricular areas and create opportunities for students to have choice and voice in their learning. We are committed to promoting collaboration and critical thinking. Through our curriculum and instruction, we create rigorous, challenging, and meaningful learning opportunities so that our students become well-rounded global citizens.

Department Overview 

This Curriculum office is responsible for the K-12 instructional program and for the coordination of professional development to provide continuous education and instructional support to the district’s professional staff. Examples of the work of this office include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Development and implementation of a curriculum review cycle for all academic disciplines, including periodic program review and evaluation, curriculum revision, and program selection.
  • Articulation of the elementary, middle, and high school instructional programs and coordination of instructional and curricular support to administrative staff and classroom teachers.
  • Preparation and analysis of the annual Student Performance Report, along with ongoing curriculum-based assessments, to inform decision-making.
  • Management of state and federal grants, coordination of all program improvement projects and professional development activities including conference attendance and consultancies.
  • Administration and analysis of national, state, and district assessments.
  • Coordination of the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) process for staff, including goal setting, supervision, evaluation, and professional learning cycle that promotes continuous improvement across the district.

What is Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment?

Curriculum: What we teach
Instruction: How we teach it
Assessment: How we know what students have learned
Curriculum

Our curriculum in BCSD is based on the New York State Learning Standards. The State establishes student learning expectations (standards) for what students should know and be able to do. The District then develops the "written" curriculum [units, lessons, scope & sequence] in order to 1) align with the District's vision, mission and core values, 2) support the NYS Learning Standards, and 3) match the needs of our students. 

Instruction

Our "taught" curriculum, or instruction, is closely aligned to the written curriculum. Instructional practices are based on research, best practices in the field, and collaborative expertise of our professional staff. We strive to create an active learning environment where students have voice and choice in their learning experience. Teachers provide students with explicit instruction in all subject areas through whole class, small group, and one-on-one settings. Teachers provide instruction through modeling and demonstration, inquiry, and guided practice of skills being taught. Students are given opportunities to ask questions, problem solve, collaborate, create, and use critical thinking skills.

Assessment

The purpose of assessment is to give students opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of content, concepts and skills and to provide feedback to students in order to improve their learning. We regularly monitor and assess our students' learning through a variety of formal and informal assessments. In grades K-8, students engage in nationally-normed literacy and math assessments three times per year. In addition, teachers utilize other diagnostic assessment tools to assess students' skills and knowledge. At the high school level, students are assessed regularly through quizzes, tests, and final exams, including AP and Regents exams. Pre-assessments are often given to assess students' knowledge prior to instruction. Post-assessments are given to assess students' understanding of the content taught. Informal assessments, such as observations, student work, and student participation, are used on a daily basis to inform instructional decisions and assess students' learning needs.

photo of Amy Fishkin

Amy Fishkin, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Phone: 914-241-6016  
Fax: 914-241-6187
Email: afishkin4396@bcsdny.org 

Stacy Ferraro, Curriculum & Instruction Assistant 

Phone: 914-241-6006       
Fax: 914-241-6187
Email Stacy


Secondary Department Chairs:

English Language Arts Coordinator
Tricia Johnsmeyer
914-241-6035

Social Studies & Business Coordinator
Jenny Olsen
914-241-6032

Science & Technology Coordinator
Karyn Langke
914-241-6379

Mathematics Coordinator
Sarah Bazzano
914-241-6046

World Language Coordinator
Lorraine Minotti
914-241-6047

Guidance Department Coordinator
Jen Hickey
914-241-6191

Music & Performing Arts Coordinator
Matt Vanacoro
914-241-6072

Visual Arts Coordinator
Heather Kranz
914-241-6189

Interim Visual Arts Coordinator
David Llanos

Assistant Director for Athletics, Health and Physical Education
Mike Tomassi
914-241-6073


Elementary Coordinators:

BHES Elementary Coordinator
Jackie Salcito

BVES Elementary Coordinator
Christina Valentine

MKES Elementary Coordinator
Chris Goodrow

PRES Elementary Coordinator
Erika Volpe

WPES Elementary Coordinator
Denise Connolly


District-wide Curriculum Leaders & Coaches

MTSS Coordinator (K-12)
Amy Unger

Elementary Math Coach (K-5)
Michelle Grier

Literacy Coach (K-8)
Abi Gotthelf