This guidebook provides an introduction to Instructional Improvement Systems (IIS) for State education agency (SEA) managers and program leads. Functional components of a theoretical IIS model are discussed and used as a reference point for the introduction a seven-step planning and implementation cycle designed to guide SEAs in the development of…

Magnet schools have developed strong national and local constituencies among parents and educators, who see them as vehicles for bringing equity and academic excellence to all students. Typically, these schools offer innovative programs through a specialized focus or theme. They may emphasize subjects like science or the arts, or they may adopt…

The purpose of this North Carolina Standard Course of Study is to guarantee that all students have equal access to the same basic curriculum. It provides a detailed, integrated curriculum plan for all subjects at all grade levels. The document explains the philosophy and rationale underlying the curriculum, describes and outlines the theoretical…

The North Carolina School Improvement Panel was created in August 1995 to frame a single plan for improving public education in North Carolina by pulling together the four major reform initiatives already under way in the state. The resulting plan, as presented to the State Board of Education in 1997, has four priorities: high student performance;…

Scope and sequence refers to organization of curriculum content, structuring what is taught against when it is taught. This scope and sequence for the different disciplines that comprise arts education in North Carolina public schools cites various goals to be attained in each grade for each of the following disciplines: dance, music, theater…

The revised North Carolina Standard Course of Study has moved from a detailed, prescriptive curriculum guide to a more flexible instructional guide, emphasizing what students should know and be able to do as they progress through various levels of proficiency and ultimately exit from high school. The revised curriculum focuses on themes and…

This reference manual guides users in developing or amending school improvement plans for the 1993-96 Performance-Based Accountability Program (PBAP) of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The PBAP was established with the passage of the state's School Improvement and Accountability Act (1989). In addition to establishing a…

The primary purpose of the social studies is to help young people, as future culturally diverse, democratic citizens in an interdependent world, develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens. Underlying this scope and sequence is the principle that neither gender, economic status, nor cultural…

Four associate degree nursing curriculums are presented, along with competencies, program guidelines, and job opportunities identified as those appropriate for the associate degree nursing programs offered in the North Carolina community college system. Chapter I introduces North Carolina's curriculum development project and the phases in which…

This booklet urges teachers to teach in North Carolina, explaining that North Carolina is fast-growing with much to offer. North Carolina has a strong commitment to improving schools and has received high marks on a national report card for academic standards, student assessment, and providing equitable resources. The framework of educational…

This document provides a framework for academic and career/technical teachers who want to raise students' achievement through real-life projects reflecting the rigorous academic and technical standards needed for further learning in the workplace and postsecondary education. The document begins with definitions of the six A's of project-based…