Policy:

The Governing Board accepts responsibility for establishing what students should learn. The Governing Board has adopted the California State Content Standards as a baseline from which all curricula should be developed. JCS, Inc., in line with the policy of the California Department of Education, will define and interpret those Key Content Standards which will serve as the benchmarks of the schools’ curriculum. The curriculum, so defined and interpreted, reflects our schools’ philosophies, responds to student needs and abilities, and is consistent with the requirements of law. Insofar as possible, this curriculum shall also reflect the desires of the community and the needs of society as a whole.

The Governing Board considers curriculum improvement to be a top priority for the schools. Curriculum development and evaluation will, therefore, be an ongoing process in the school, routinely supported by planned allocations of resources and staff time.

Curriculum Adoption Process

The schools will first look to identify the needs of the different student populations when beginning the curriculum adoption process. Unlike a traditional school program, JCS-Schools will need to take into account the needs of students within the various program structures, since the needs of the students in the academy programs and the home study program are often different.

Next, the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) will look at the school’s priorities, noting particularly WASC and LCAP. Then, the teams will work with the Schools’ financial department for curriculum adoption monies. Finally, the PLCs will look at which materials have been State adopted at the K-8 level to meet CCSS.

Staff will also review EdReports.org when looking to adopt ELA, math, and EL curriculum. A subject specialist team will come together to look at materials and guide the decision-making process, including narrowing down the choices based upon alignment to CCSS, the schools’ priorities, school scope and sequence documents, and stakeholder input. The administration will be sure to seek input from teachers who will be using the curriculum as well as parent and other stakeholder involvement through the School Site Councils.

The schools will initially pilot curriculum with a small group of students for a year to determine if it will work for the specific student population. If any curriculum is considered that is not on the State adopted list, administrative staff will work with credentialed staff to supplement and align to CCSS if JCS feels this is the best way to serve our student population.

Once a decision has been made, the schools will follow California EC Section 240 that requires “Governing board of school districts shall adopt instructional materials in accordance with the provisions of Section 60040.” The School will purchase sufficient resources so that students have access to the instructional material at the academies, as well as at home. Finally, a rollout and implementation plan will be created. This will involve professional development for teachers as well as opportunities for parents. Professional development will happen both in-person as well as online.

Materials that are technology-based and/or have technology components are also reviewed as the method is essential in assisting students within the large geographic territory with core or supplemental instruction.

Original Policy 06/09/03

Revised Policy 06/08/07

Revised Policy 09/08/17

Revised Policy 03/13/2020