Superintendent outlines new instructional framework, says work aims to ‘norm best practices’ across Cheltenham schools

Superintendent Dr. Scribner told the Cheltenham School District Board that the district will implement a formal instructional framework this year intended to align curriculum, classroom practice and student supports across all schools. The plan, he said, includes high-quality instructional materials, instructional rounds and a focus on equity and collaboration.

The presentation matters because district leaders said the framework is intended to reduce variation across classrooms, accelerate student learning and provide a public-facing roadmap for families and teachers. Dr. Scribner said the framework is meant to be research-based and rolled out slowly to avoid “gotcha” evaluations of teachers.

Dr. Scribner summarized the framework’s structure as five “buckets”: leadership and vision; equity and engagement; systems and structures; capacity and collaboration; and climate, culture and trust. He said the district will use…