With all the programs, reform efforts, and innovations designed to fix our schools and improve student achievement, there is one basic question that often goes Are students actually being taught those things we expect them to learn? Total Instructional Alignment (TIA) explains why the answer to this question is often No, and then details how to implement the TIA three-step process so there is alignment between standards, curriculum, classroom instruction, and assessment. The TIA process ensures that students are being taught what we expect them to learn. It is not teaching to the test ; rather, TIA is teaching to the tested concepts. Leaving no child behind requires all schools design an instructional program that not only aligns instruction to standards, benchmarks, and assessments, but also presents instruction that is aligned to the learning needs of each individual student. The TIA process is a step beyond curriculum alignment; it ensures that alignment occurs in every classroom throughout the entire school and district. Total Instructional Alignment examines vertical and horizontal alignment structures; flexible grouping practices; and the roles of policy, practices, and leadership in redesigning the educational system to ensure that all students learn. Also included are a variety of alignment tools and information on how to sustain the process.
It was difficult for me to get through which was sad because it wasn't very long. I felt like everything Carter talked about I've heard multiple times from other workshops, books, or co-workers. The problem is not that alignment needs to be addressed, we know that it does. The problem is that without an entire school (or district) on board, alignment will not happen.