Legal and Ethical Guide for K-12 Curriculum Requirements & Development by MD https://padlet.com/md88/leg en-us 2021-03-13 04:14:07 UTC 2025-04-26 00:38:23 UTC hello@padlet.com Slide #13 - List of Recommendations / Best Practices for Compliance md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304843049 From analyzing legal and ethical standards for curriculum recommendations, the following recommendations and practices for compliance are encouraged:
  • When developing a K-12 curriculum, it is necessary to ensure the curriculum is designed to support educational standards. This includes the use of outside resources as well as needing to support educational standards.
  • When incorporating standards into curriculum, the need to include standards that support cultural diversity and diverse viewpoints is an essential component of providing an ethical and relatable curriculum for all learners.
  • A K-12 Curriculum must provide equitable resources and opportunities for all students in educational settings. 
  • It is important to remember that the legal power for curriculum requirements and development is restricted to state governments including local school boards. The role of the State and school districts must comply with standards determined through various agencies.
  • From the school districts, the determined curriculum needs to be aligned with the policies determined by those school districts and should be available to the public.
  • The policies determined for curriculum development and requirements should provide direction for continuous review and improvement of the curriculum.
  • The educator's role in the understanding of curriculum should be supported in their abilities to comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other state and federal laws.


]]> 2021-03-13 04:17:43 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304843049 Slide #12 - Personal Connection to the Legal and Ethical Standards md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304848078
1. My personal connection to legal and ethical standards regarding curriculum requirements and development is revealed through my future role as a mathematics instruction and curriculum leader for teachers. In these roles, it is essential that I meet legal and ethical standards of following the requirements of curriculum development. 
2. As it pertains to my position in K-12 public schools, it is necessary that I approach curriculum requirements and development in ways that align with the educational standards as reflected in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. 
3. By complying with the appropriate regulations, laws, and policies, I am able to continue my educational path as an educator to be in a capacity that best serves the needs of my students. In my continuation of understanding the law and complying with legal matters as it applies to curriculum, my professional judgment and reasoning can be supported in future roles of overseeing and developing curriculum.

]]> 2021-03-13 04:24:35 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304848078 Slide #11 - Ethical Principle md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304848608 When referring to my professional code of ethics from Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 247, Rule 2, the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators, Standard 1.7 provides compliance requirements that if not followed, will not support the successful development and implementation of a curriculum.

  • 19 TAC § 247.2
    • (G) Standard 1.7. The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other state and federal laws.
In the event that an educator fails to comply with state regulations, local policies, and laws concerning the instruction of appropriate and standards-based curriculum, they are at risk of presenting academic negligence for their students. As a result, their students will not receive targeted, standards-based learning to meet their needs and skills determined by the TEKS. 

Link:
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=7&ch=247&rl=2

]]> 2021-03-13 04:25:02 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304848608 Slide #10 - Local Administrative Policy md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304849216 An example of a local school policy that illustrates how a district may approach curriculum requirements and development is Policy 603 - Curriculum Development for Princeton Public Schools District. 

The purpose of this policy for Princeton Public Schools is 
  • to "provide direction for continuous review and improvement of the school curriculum".
The school policy, Policy 603 - Curriculum Development, provides responsibilities of members of the school system in regards to curriculum provisions. The primary responsibility for curriculum development lies on the Superintendent for the district. They are responsible for effectively researching curriculum that will meet the needs of students. 

Source:
PPS District. (Rev. 2017, September 15). Policy 603 - Curriculum Development. Princeton Public Schools. https://www.isd477.org/district/policies/600-education-programs/603 

]]> 2021-03-13 04:25:55 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304849216 Slide #9 - Administrative Law md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304849616 An example of Statutory Law in relation to curriculum requirements and development is that of State Administrative Law, Title 19, Part 2, Chapter 74, Subchapter A, Required Curriculum Sections 1-3, as regulated through the Texas Education Agency.
  • The Texas Administrative Code 74.3 describes the requirements for the development of an elementary and secondary curriculum that meets the Essential Knowledge and Skills.
  • In addition to describing the requirements of a curriculum, the code states that school districts may offer additional courses and provide students the opportunity to participate in all courses (TEA). 
  • 19 TAC § 74.1, 19 TAC § 74.2. 19 TAC § 74.3

Links:
19 TAC § 74.1:
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=P&p_rloc=173219&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=11&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=2&ch=74&rl=3

19 TAC § 74.2:
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=N&p_rloc=201489&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=12&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=2&ch=74&rl=3

19 TAC § 74.3:
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=N&p_rloc=173219&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=13&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=2&ch=74&rl=3

Reference:
TEA. (2020, October). Chapter 74. Curriculum Requirements Subchapter A. Required Curriculum. Texas Education Agency. http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074a.pdf 
]]> 2021-03-13 04:26:30 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304849616 Slide #8 - Judicial Law md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304850051 An example of Statutory Law in relation to curriculum requirements and development is the judicial case of Evans-Marshall v. Bd of Ed of Tipp City Exempted Village Sch Dist. through the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • The courts "generally favor efforts to expand access to knowledge, rather than efforts to restrict it" (Underwood, 2019). School districts determine the curriculum for the school and teachers are required to carry out the curriculum. With this stated, teacher's decisions concerning the use of materials must be in alignment with school policy.
  • In the case of Evans-Marshall v. Bd of Ed of Tipp City Exempted Village Sch Dist. (6th Cir. 2010), a high school English teacher was dismissed for using classroom assignments and materials without following the appropriate steps for approval" (Underwood, 2019). This example shows the importance of K-12 Curriculum needing to be aligned with policies determined by school districts.
  • Evans-Marshall, 624 F.3d at 337
 
Link:
https://educationlaw.org/453-slr-recycle/1301-evans-marshall-v-board-of-education-624-f3d-332-6th-cir-2010

Reference:
Underwood, J. (2019). Under the law: The legal balancing act over public school curriculum. Phi Delta Kappan, 100 (6), 74-75.
]]> 2021-03-13 04:27:07 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304850051 Slide #7 - Statutory Law md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304850422 An example of Statutory Law in relation to curriculum requirements and development is the Texas Education Code, Section 28.002, Required Curriculum. 
  • Legal power for curriculum requirements and development is restricted to state governments including local school boards.
  • The Texas Education Code for section 28.0027 addresses the requirements for a foundational curriculum to include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. 
  • The code outlines requirements of an enriched curriculum to address other areas that meet the essential knowledge and skills for the State.
  • Tex. Educ. Code § 28.002

Link:
https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._educ._code_section_28.0027 
]]> 2021-03-13 04:27:42 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304850422 Slide #6 - Constitutional Law md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304850823 An example of Constitutional Law in relation to curriculum requirements and development involves the impact of the 14th Amendment. 
  • The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment states that no child may be denied equal access to schooling.
  • While the federal government has no direct authority regarding school curriculum decisions, the Equal Protection Clause addresses "equal access" to receiving an education. 
  • In examining what constitutes equal access to schooling, the development and requirements of a curriculum must provide equitable resources and opportunities for learning in educational environments. However, when identifying opportunities to receive equitable curriculum, some learners in practice may not have such opportunities, and therefore, are not supported by the Equal Protection Clause in this aspect.
  • U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 2

Link:
https://www.crf-usa.org/bill-of-rights-in-action/bria-7-4-c-education-and-the-14th-amendment#:~:text=While%20education%20may%20not%20be,denied%20equal%20access%20to%20schooling  
]]> 2021-03-13 04:28:15 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304850823 Slide #5 - Current News Article md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304875111 Massive investment in social studies and civics education proposed to address eroding trust in democratic institutions
  • As a result of recent attacks on the State Capitol, there is urgency to propose "an overhaul of the way civics and history are taught to American K-12 students" to inform students of civic duties and responsibilities as it relates to the roles and functions of democratic institutions (Heim, 2021). 
  • For civics and history education, K-12 Curriculum would require "emphasis on diverse viewpoints" through inquiry-based approaches to best understand democratic institutions, versus traditionally memorizing dates without understanding the purpose of historical events.
  • Heim, J. (2021, March 1). Massive investment in social studies and civics education proposed to address eroding trust in democratic institutions. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/civics-social-studies-education-plan/2021/03/01/e245e34a-747f-11eb-9537-496158cc5fd9_story.html 
]]> 2021-03-13 05:00:08 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304875111 Slide #4 - Current News Article md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304876046 Proposed curriculum, funding changes: 14 public education bills filed in the 87th Texas Legislature

  • "House Bill 153, filed by Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, D-San Antonio, would have the Texas Education Agency and State Board of Education establish culturally inclusive curriculum that reflects the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of society, including instruction on fostering acceptance of diversity and critical thinking about bias to help children identify acts of discrimination."
  • The impact of the proposed bill on curriculum requirements and development would inform schools of the necessity to incorporate standards that support cultural diversity. This can be done by connecting the purpose of the bill to support Social-Emotional Learning Standards (SEL).
  • Lloyd, D. (2021, March 11). Proposed curriculum, funding changes: 14 public education bills filed in the 87th Texas Legislature. Community Impact Newspaper. https://communityimpact.com/houston/cy-fair/at-the-capitol/2021/03/11/proposed-curriculum-funding-changes-14-public-education-bills-filed-in-the-87th-texas-legislature/

]]> 2021-03-13 05:01:14 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304876046 Slide #3 - Professional Association md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304876567
The Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD). Chapter 3. Standards-Based Curriculum and Assessment Design. http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/100043/chapters/Standards-Based_Curriculum_and_Assessment_Design.aspx 

Summary
The Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development provides ways to effectively ensure a curriculum is designed to support educational standards. This is done by framing the curriculum around an essential question that students need to know. By providing appropriate concepts, guiding questions, tools, and present connections to the literature, the curriculum can represent a standards-based learning format. In addition, the organization provides processes for curriculum and assessment design to support outcomes and standards of learning.

http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/100043/chapters/Standards-Based_Curriculum_and_Assessment_Design.aspx 
]]> 2021-03-13 05:01:57 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304876567 Slide #2 - Interview Summary md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304876804 To develop a greater understanding of the legalities regarding curriculum requirements and curriculum development for public education, I have interviewed a curriculum coordinator who works for an educational service center. From this interview, I have gained insight into curriculum legalities as it relates to the following:

The Importance and Impact to My Field
The interview provided me information to best narrow and focus on the process of identifying curriculum requirements and its development for K-12 public education. From the interview, I became more aware of systems that work to promote standards alignment within schools. I also became aware of potential ambiguities in implementation oversights as they concern student and teacher roles in education. As this relates to my current field and future role, I will have a direct role in overseeing curriculum requirements and developments as I work to support teacher awareness of curriculum as it supports educational standards.

Best Practices for Examining Curriculum Requirements & Development
  • K-12 Curriculum must align with the educational standards determined by the State Board of Education (SBOE). For Texas, these standards are referred to as TEKS, the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills.
  • K-12 Curriculum should continuously be evaluated to ensure alignment to standards as well as allow for the integration of resources deemed appropriate to further support instruction and comprehension of the standards.
  • The requirements and development of K-12 Curriculum should be reflected through school district's policies that are available to the public to ensure legal access.

Emerging Issue Concerning Curriculum Requirements & Development
Every few years, reforms are proposed to the process and implementation of education standards. An issue that arises from these changes, is the potential disparity between curriculum developers as it relates to supporting the TEKS. An example of this issue is the implementation of C-SCOPE. C-SCOPE is a curriculum management system that was not well received by portions of the State. The system was done away with as there were gaps between content matter and resources as they relate to the TEKS. Although this system was replaced and is now referred to as the TEKS Resource System, there were no associated lesson plans implemented to support curricular alignment within schools. This lack of provisions for connecting resources or guides to best support educator understanding and application of the TEKS, impacts my current and future role as I will need to work to locate resources and training to build systems of support.

Interviewee
Sydney Sexton, Coordinator for Curriculum Services Team at Region 17
https://www.esc17.net/page/ci.home 
]]> 2021-03-13 05:02:16 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304876804 Slide #1 - Professional Perspective/Audience/Topic md88 https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304877201 Topic
Legal Guide for K-12 Curriculum Requirements and Development.

Professional Perspective | Field of Education
As a current educator in public education and future leader in mathematics curriculum and instruction, I have a vested concern with matters pertaining to curriculum requirements and curriculum development. I chose the following topic in an effort to provide information that is necessary for those in education to make informed decisions concerning curriculum in K-12 schools.  These decisions must consider the necessary requirements for a curriculum as well as the process of developing a curriculum as they align to appropriate legal and ethical standards.

Audience: K-12 Education Stakeholders

Mary Eden De La Garza, 2nd Grade Math Teacher
Angelo State University, M.A. Curriculum & Instruction - Advanced Instructor
]]> 2021-03-13 05:02:49 UTC https://padlet.com/md88/leg/wish/1304877201