Curriculum, Instruction, & Technology
What exactly are "Curriculum" and "Instruction"?
Both "curriculum" and "instruction" may take on different meanings based on the purpose or the setting. Within schools, curriculum is the content of what is being taught and instruction is the manner in which students learn and demonstrate understanding of the curriculum. Essentially, curriculum is the "what", and instruction is the "how."
The New York State Education Department is responsible for setting student learning expectations (standards) for what all students should know and be able to do as a result of skilled instruction.
Each local school district develops curricula based on these established standards. At Potsdam Central Schools, we continually strive to offer innovative, diverse, and challenging opportunities that foster every student’s success. To accomplish this goal, we use a continuous improvement model - Plan, Do, Study, Act. This process allows us to identify curricular, instructional, and individual needs and implement effective strategies to advance all learners.
Areas of Focus
In order to continually refine and enhance our curriculum and instruction, Potsdam Central focuses on six keys areas:
- Curriculum Development
- Instructional Practices
- Technology Integration
- Assessment & Data Analysis
- Student Supports
- Professional Development
2021-22 PCS District Goals
For the current school year, our instructional staff are working on:
- Identification of priority standards within the NYS curriculum frameworks that are essential to future learning;
- Alignment of our local curricula to the prioritized standards;
- Use of student assessment data to guide instructional and curricular decisions