Quality curriculum development means combining educational standards, subject matter expertise, and instructional design into a cohesive flow that is appropriate for the target learner. There are four broad steps to the curriculum development process. These steps...

When looking at project costs, one can wonder if an instructional designer (ID) is needed. But before deciding against hiring a professional learning designer, consider the benefits. First, IDs are subject matter experts in designing instruction. They understand the complexities and nuances of the process. Second, professionals can translate instructional design theories into practical, real-world learning applications. They know how to intently craft learning that engages while educating learners. They align learning content with assessment, curriculum goals, course objectives, and standards. IDs work with your subject matter experts to create storyboards, review current learning resources, and audit existing curriculum content. For publishers, IDs ensure the content builds from one grade to the next in a logical way that makes sense – and is accessible – to all learners. Besides that, IDs make resources that help teachers identify and meet every student’s needs in their classrooms so that all students can thrive. In short, instructional designers are the key to the curriculum development process. Still, when looking to add an ID vendor, there are questions to ask.

Subject Matter Experts can be found in these 5 places.

Many products exist in the K-12 space. On the teaching level, enthusiastic school administrators promote the use of a new product or curriculum. Later, this product or curriculum does not resonate with the teachers. Essentially, the product becomes “shelved” because teachers fall back on what they know. Teachers rely on what works for their classroom. Also, when it comes to educational products, teachers and school administrators confront thousands of choices. Overall, these products boast similar features and benefits. K-12 publishers and providers consider these points to make successful educational products when selling to school districts.

Leaders face many critical decisions when converting curricula from traditional course-based degree programs to competency-based learning paths. General ed classes weave through curriculums. Transfer courses encounter discrepancies in inequality between institutions. So, leaders need to establish criteria for CBL courses. Higher-ed leaders can follow these tips to create successful competency-based learning for college courses.

While some SEL programs face criticism from states and parents, a need for them remains. For high schoolers, effective SEL materials and products lack focus for them. Many high school students use products geared for younger grades. Therefore, these products do not address the social status that high school students experience in their teen years. Ineffective products lead to poor results. Providers and publishers consider the methods below to integrate into your products and materials for social-emotional learning.

Institutional leaders can build a thriving, close-knit student community with online college courses. However, leaders need to set the stage for success. They can urge faculty to use proven instructional design elements when they author online college courses. But, this content needs to be more than face-to-face instruction delivered via a meeting link. Online college classes must meet the university’s rigorous academic standards. Leaders can consider these 10 points. 

Spanish-speaking readers are complex and diverse. Yet, Spanish readers continue to wait for the range of English readers’ choices in digital products. Publishing leaders misunderstand the market when translating English-speaking content into Spanish. Publishing leaders can use these five ways to increase digital publishing products for Spanish language readers.