Curriculum Framework
The Curriculum Framework specifies what is to be taught for each subject in the curriculum. In Pennsylvania, Curriculum Frameworks include Big Ideas, Concepts, Competencies, and Essential Questions aligned to Standards and Assessment Anchors and, where appropriate, Eligible Content.
Below you will find the definitions of Big Ideas, Essential Questions, Concepts, Competencies, Standards and Eligible Content:
- Big Ideas - Declarative statements that describe concepts that transcend grade levels. Big Ideas are essential to provide focus on specific content for all students.
- Essential Questions - Questions connected to the SAS framework, specifically linked to the Big Ideas. They should frame inquiry, promote critical thinking, and assist in learning transfer.
- Concepts - Describe what students should know (key knowledge) as a result of this instruction specific to grade level.
- Competencies - Describe what students should be able to do (key skills) as a result of this instruction specific to grade level.
- Standards – Statements that define what students should know and be able to do as a result of instruction.
- Eligible Content - Helps educators identify how deeply they need to cover an Assessment Anchor and/or the range of content they should teach to maximize student achievement and best prepare their students for the PSSA.
The Curriculum Framework search tools allow users to navigate by:
- Subject Area: All Subject Areas, plus more specific areas such as Listening, Dance, or Entrepreneurship.
- Grade Level or Stage: Kindergarten to 12th grade and Stages for World Languages.
- Course: Specific courses offered at the secondary level.
Once you've selected the Grades, Subjects, and Courses, click on any of the headers of the Big Ideas to view Concepts, Competencies, Vocabulary, Standards, and Elgible Content. Clicking a different Big Idea in the list in the left column of the Curriculum Framework will change the Essential Questions, Concepts, Competencies, and Standards/Eligible Content shown. Clicking on any Standard or Eligible Content code in the Curriculum Framework will take you to the Browse view of the Standards. The Appearance of the Materials & Resources button to the right of the Eligible Content statement indicates that there is content aligned to that Standard or Eligible Content.
The ELL Overlay tab allows users to view an ELL Overlay to see related standards for English Language Learners. The Student Levels of Proficiency, Instructional Supports, and Language Use will assist teachers in helping the ELL student achieve in the classroom. The suggested Instructional Supports can be used to modify lessons so that they are comprehensible to English Language Learners based on their proficiency levels.
Users can also view District Curriculum Maps, their saved Curriculum Maps, and PA Standards for ELA, Math, Library, and Personal Finance.
You can access a step-by-step guide to the Curriculum Framework element by clicking here.