Research-Based Curriculum Materials:

• Are guided by research on how students learn and what they are able to learn at different levels of their cognitive development.
• Promote learning with carefully designed tasks appropriate to the developmental level of the learner.
• Are organized around the “big ideas” of science and mathematics across and within grade levels.
• Are comprehensive, cohesive, and connected.
• Are the results of a rigorous developmental cycle including expert review, field testing and revision based on data about student learning.

Environment for Research-Based Curriculum:

• A plan exists to support effective implementation of Research-Based Curriculum.
• Implementation of research-based mathematics/science curriculum materials is school-wide.
• Teachers have the background knowledge and skills needed to effectively implement research-based curriculum materials.

Research-Based Curriculum Considerations

• A process exists for evaluation and selection of curriculum materials.
• Teachers receive on-going professional development in the effective implementation of research based mathematics/science curriculum materials.
• Concepts/content/processes addressed in the curriculum materials are aligned with SC Curriculum Standards.
• Continuous data-driven assessment of the effectiveness of curriculum materials in promoting student learning