by Alan Haskvitz

Although I don’t see the need for successful teachers to use curriculum mapping, it forces educators to prepare an in-depth plan to note areas covered, methods used and depth of learning.  A quick comparison of test scores and the map could result in curriculum changes.  However, it is extremely time consuming and tends to dampen creative teaching and teachable moments for those driven by the need to stick to the plan. Moreover, it can force teachers to teach at the same pace and with the same lesson regardless of the class make-up.

On the other hand, some districts require a vast number of lesson-planning strategies for the day, week, month and even the year, as well as keeping reflective logs.  All of these can serve as a good guide for teaching and an effective tool for administrators to judge what is happening in the classroom.  To save time, I strongly suggest you use a model from these sites and change it to reflect your needs.

Some good sites to help with curriculum mapping follow.  I suggest you work backwards. In other words, start with the product or lesson you wish to produce and work backwards to see how you students may accomplish it.  Using this method shows errors and gaps in strategies more clearly, similar to correcting multiplication or division problems by working backwards.

Education World Curriculum Mapping 
Start with a basic explanation of the seven steps involved.

Curriculum Mapping 
A good guide with templates

Sample Curriculum Maps
A selection of already done maps for major subject areas

Spotsylvania County Schools Curriculum Maps 
Curriculum maps by grade level and subject

Minneapolis Public Schools Curriculum Mapping

Marysville (WA) School District Curriculum Mapping

Roadmap to Success:  A Curriculum Mapping Primer

Teach Resources Curriculum Mapping
Read research pointing out the value of it.