Educators are always being asked to implement new initiatives, whether it’s district policies or classroom-level procedures. But curricular initiatives are especially challenging because they have a direct impact on their teaching practices. This is often the time when teachers feel overwhelmed. The good news is that a little planning and support can make all the difference for a successful implementation of a new curriculum.
The apprehension to change often comes from a perception that the new material is too difficult or is not suited to their students. Data can be a powerful tool for addressing these concerns, and providing examples of growth from assessment to assessment or unit to unit can help educators visualize success.
Moreover, the apprehension to change can also come from a lack of understanding about what the curriculum changes actually entail. For example, reform and innovation are different types of change, and a reform may just mean a rearrangement or restructuring of existing content while an innovation could mean adding new material to the curriculum.
To avoid confusion about the change, it’s important for leaders to educate educators on what the change is and how it will benefit their students. It’s also critical to provide a sense of autonomy during the transition period, so that educators can practice using the new curriculum tools without being constrained by a set of scripted interactions with their students or micromanaging details of day-to-day lessons. Keep the big picture in mind: choose a small number of critical elements to get everyone moving in the same direction, and allow experienced teachers some space to apply their expertise.
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