“A guaranteed and viable curriculum has the most impact on student achievement,” according to Robert Marzano in his book, What Works in Schools. Consistent use of the HISD Curriculum helps to ensure that all district students have equitable access to quality instruction. HISD’s curriculum is comprehensive, reflects required standards, incorporates best-practice strategies, provides access to proven resources, addresses the needs of diverse learners, and reflects high expectations for student achievement. A common standards-based curriculum guarantees that every HISD teacher will have access to the resources necessary to plan, teach, and assess instruction and student learning effectively (Curriculum Writing Initiative, n.d.).

• Log into HISD Connect.
• Under Department information, click on the letter “C” and select the Curriculum and Instructional Development. Here the teacher has access to the HISD curriculum planning guides, scope and sequence and vertical alignment matrix.
• Select the curriculum that matches the teacher’s specific content and grade level.
• Use the Scope and Sequence document as a tool for grade level/content planning. Begin with the end in mind. The Scope and Sequence document presents a recommended scope and sequence of study for the year by bundling student objectives into instructional units and then mapping them on the district’s current school calendar, similar to a course or grade-level syllabus.
• Use the Vertical Alignment Matrix documents as an additional tool that can be used during cross-grade level planning. The Vertical Alignment Matrix presents a developmental alignment of student objectives in a content area across grade levels.
• Use the Unit Planning Guides as a comprehensive tool for day-to-day instructional planning. The Curriculum Unit Framework extends the Scope and Sequence by providing additional detail for the unit(s) in a grading period, including a brief description of the unit(s), the objectives to be addressed, key concepts and skills, essential understandings (i.e., the big ideas), academic and content-specific vocabulary, English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), College and Career Readiness Standards, and student performance expectations.
• Use the Lesson Planning Guide to plan daily lessons that align with other HISD Curriculum resources (Scope and Sequence, Vertical Alignment Matrix, and HISD Curriculum Planning Guides).