Curriculum and Instruction
Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction- Dottie Specht
256 Anderson Avenue
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
856-931-6305 Ext. 323
dspecht@bellmawrschools.org

Currently throughout the district, we are working on many new initiatives aligned to the district’s goals. Listed below are some of the exciting new curricular topics the teachers and administrators are working on:

• The Bellmawr School District is revising the Language Arts Literacy curriculum for PK- 4. A committee comprised of teachers from both Park School and Burke School are meeting all year to review pertinent Language Arts Literacy research, discuss implications, and develop a revised curriculum ready for implementation in September 2008.
   
• All classroom teachers in the district K-4 are reviewing three prospective Language Arts Literacy programs. During this process, teachers will have met with each of the three publishers to examine the research behind the programs and the components essential to a balanced literacy program. Additionally, the teachers will have met three times to discuss their observations and opinions of the programs. A new program will be implemented beginning September 2008.
   
• Both elementary schools began the 100 Book Challenge from the American Book Company (www.americanreading.com). During this independent reading done during school and at home, students have a chance to enjoy books at their "just right" reading level. The students are enjoying using their good reader strategies during their independent reading and periodically conferencing with teachers about their strategies.
   
• With the goal of revising the Languages Arts Literacy curriculum at Bell Oaks Middle School, teachers are meeting each week with the Supervisor of Curriculum and the Principal by grade levels to discuss curricular issues. This professional collaboration among the subject area teachers focused on student learning has been valuable. In addition to the review of relevant research, teachers and administrators are establishing common goals and practices through these meetings.
   
• At Bell Oaks Middle School, each grade level of teachers meets weekly with one another to discuss grade level topics and issues. These meetings enable the teachers to plan collaboratively for instruction that will motivate and engage their students.
   
• The Middle School teachers have been meeting after school each month to share with one another practical ideas and research gained from out of district professional workshops. These meetings have enabled teachers to expand their instructional practices while collaborating with others.

• The Language Arts Literacy curriculum committee will convene during the 2008- 2009 school year in order to review the research and discuss the issues of adolescent learning.