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NNPS outlines streamlined curriculum site and storyboards aimed at clearer family access
Summary
Newport News Public Schools presented a redesigned preK–12 curriculum built around storyboards, unit instructional guides and teacher slide decks hosted on a new online site; presenters said storyboards give families a '10,000‑foot view' while teachers provide unit‑level details and consumable texts are sent home.
Newport News Public Schools presented an update on a multi‑year effort to streamline the division’s preK–12 curriculum, emphasizing transparency for families and consistency for teachers.
Executive Director Darryl Pankratz (introduced at the meeting) and Lori Wall, director of elementary teaching and learning, said the redesign centers on 'storyboards' — a visual, family‑facing overview of each unit that lists a purposeful title, learning targets and the standards of learning. "In order to create a streamlined curriculum from the start, we have designed a more accessible curriculum site where all curriculum is housed on the Internet for our employees," a presenter said.
Presenters described how teachers access unit instructional guides, slide decks with daily lessons, and differentiated activities for gifted and special education students. They said the storyboard is intended to be a high‑level 'through line' for families, while teachers can share unit consumable texts and slide decks to provide more specific content. The presenters also said they will add a direct feedback link on the curriculum site so staff can submit ongoing input.
Board members asked how parents can view what their children will read or what activism a 'social justice' research project might involve. Presenters replied that the storyboard includes only the unit title and narrative for family pages while the instructional materials remain accessible to teachers; parents should reach out to the classroom teacher for unit‑level specifics. Presenters described a process in which consumable texts are sent home at the end of each unit, along with activities parents can use to support learning.
The presentation noted the division is still using some adopted curricula (for example, Hampton curriculum in elementary math, science and social studies) while the new templates and storyboards are phased in. Several board members and audience speakers praised the accessibility and differentiation features, and one noted that curriculum supervisors can make real‑time updates in Google to keep materials current.
Votes at a glance: Earlier in the meeting the board approved the consent agenda by roll call (motion carried 6‑0).
