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In December, many Americans make donations to charitable organizations.  Some schools sponsor an Angel Tree and provide gifts to students and families who may not be able to provide gifts for their families at Christmas.  The American Red Cross has their annual fund drive at malls and grocery stores across the United States.  December is a month where giving is in the air.  Some Americans do not consider giving gifts or sharing their income with others between January – November, but giving is popular at the end of the year.

A recent poll indicated nearly 90 percent of Americans plan to donate to charity this holiday season.

What can school districts “give” students and families in the 2010 school year?  Marzano cited a ‘guaranteed and viable’ curriculum' as the number one factor impacting student achievement.  A gift that would have a lasting impact on students and families would be the development of a district curriculum which is both guaranteed and viable.

Other Gift Ideas:
Assessment FOR Learning (Stiggins)

A Purpose-Driven Curriculum

A Timely Curriculum

A 21st Century Curriculum

Opportunity to Learn (for all students)

If you are a K-12 Curriculum Developer, take a moment to reflect on the benefits of giving one of these gifts to the students in your school district.  If your school budget is tight, you can still donate your talent and time to develop a curriculum which meets the needs of a diverse student population and guarantees that each student will receive the opportunity to learn.  Wiles (2009) wrote, "Curriculum development is the essential function of school leadership.  Whether the role is carried out by a principal, an assistant principal for curriculum, a team leader, a department head, or by leading classroom teachers, the curriculum defines all other roles in a school" (p.2). 

Improving the lives of students is our business and your gift could impact an entire generation!

References:

Marzano, R. What works in schools: Translating research into action. Alexandria, VA:
           Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development,

Wiles, J. (2009). Leading curriculum development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
 


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