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Curriculum & Instruction 

Jessica O'Donovan
   
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Jessica
                                                                                     
5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY 10605
Phone: (914) 422-2027 
Fax: (914) 422-2382
E-mail:jessicaodonovan@wpcsd.k12.ny.us                              
                                                                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

Welcome to the web page of the Office of Curriculum and Instruction in the White Plains Public Schools. Our mission as a district is to educate and inspire all students, while nurturing their dreams, so they learn continually, think critically, pursue their aspirations and contribute to a diverse and dynamic world. This mission is our guide as we seek to develop curriculum and provide professional development to realize it.

An essential ingredient in our mission is creating and enacting a rich, rigorous course of study in all subject areas that serves as a guide to teachers as they prepare their daily lessons for our students. Please visit the curriculum section on this website for specific information about our district curriculum and for contact information on our subject area coordinators. These talented and dedicated professionals are responsible for leading the work of curriculum development and mapping, for supporting teachers, for organizing and conducting professional development, and for the supervision and evaluation of teachers. 

In order for us to make sure that each of our students flourishes within our curriculum, we engage in ongoing professional development for our staff. Our teaching staff is our most important resource in promoting student learning, and investing in ongoing teacher development is one of the most critical tasks we do. To that end, we use early release days (ERDs) throughout the year to engage in teacher-driven professional development. During early release days, students are dismissed 65 minutes early so that teachers can engage in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to plan curriculum, create common assessments, collaboratively analyze data, develop individualized student action plans, and share best practices.  For more information on Professional Learning Communities, click here:

 

In January 2011, New York State adopted new, more rigorous learning standards in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics called "NYS P-12 Common Core Learning Standards." These standards have been adopted by many states across the country, and aim to prepare students with the critical thinking and communication skills needed to succeed in college and the workforce. For further information about the Common Core Standards, click here: 
 
 We are committed to meeting our students at their current level and challenging them to continue growing, whether they need enrichment or intervention. In order to effectively differentiate instruction, we use a range of assessments and programs. Click here to see a glossary of key curriculum-related terms: ACE, AVID, Balanced Literacy, CLI, DIBELS, DRA, Differentiated Instruction, Great Books, I-Block, Read 180, System 44.

 

To see the NYS testing calendar for the year, click here: To find out about our second grade reading goal, click here:
  

I invite all our parents to join us as we strive to ensure that every young person in our schools realizes his or her full potential. I welcome your questions and comments – you can e-mail me at jessicaodonovan@wpcsd.k12.ny.us.