Curriculum is the central scaffold on which teachers build the plans for learning in each classroom. Curriculum gives consistency and structure to the educational process and it encourages creative and innovative teaching within its framework. As our body of academic knowledge changes, and as our knowledge of the learning behavior of children changes, so must curriculum change. The Belmont Public Schools provides for that ongoing review and possible change through its Seven-Year-Plan for Curriculum Development and Improvement. Parents and staff work together on curriculum steering committees, during the seven-year-cycle which includes a needs assessment, program evaluation, and development of a plan of action and any necessary piloting of materials or training of staff. This process assures that curriculum continues to be well matched to children and the society in which they will function.

Curriculum and Learning Frameworks help teachers, caregivers, and students understand more clearly what students need to know, understand, and be able to do throughout their study of the core curriculum from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has developed Curriculum Frameworks for each subject area.  The BPS Curriculum is aligned to the Framework for each respective subject area.  DESE has created summaries of these frameworks by grade level, called Family Guides, to help families understand what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of each grade.  To access these Family Guides please visit MA Department of Education site here.

Consistent with Massachusetts regulations, 603 CMR 26.05(1), the Belmont Public Schools, through its curricula and materials, encourages respect for the human and civil rights of all individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.  In accordance with district guidelines, families may request information from the building principal on available accommodations related to curriculum content.

Belmont Public Schools has an inclusive family engagement process that incorporates all of the required district-level and school-level components under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Each school receiving Title I funding will:

1. Convene at least one meeting of families of participating children annually at a convenient time, offering multiple meetings if necessary, at which the school will inform families of the school’s participation in Title I and the requirements of Title I, including family engagement requirements;

2. Involve families in the planning, implementation, and review of Title I programs;  

3. Provide to families of participating children:

   • timely information about programs under Title I;

   • an explanation of the curriculum and academic assessments used at the school, as well as the proficiency levels students are expected to meet based on state academic standards; and

4. If requested by families, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any suggestions as soon as practicably possible.