Curriculum Design

Educational Options, Inc. is committed to providing students the best web-based instructional program possible. All of its courses are created using a stringent, research-based development process that starts with a review of state academic standards to determine required learning outcomes. Course objectives are then set, along with an outline of lessons (or an organizational plan most appropriate to the subject matter).

The curriculum department at Educational Options consists of current and former teachers meeting the designation of “highly qualified” under the No Child Left Behind Act, educational professionals experienced in higher education or non-traditional settings, content specialists, and skilled editors.

These curriculum developers utilize “backward design,” a nationally recognized instructional methodology (Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, Understanding by Design). Using this method, developers first determine what students are required to learn from a lesson and then structure content around the desired outcomes.

Our courses are developed with an awareness of the learning styles outlined in the Dimensions of Learning model (Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning). Supplemental activities in the curriculum are designed for students whose primary learning modality is not visual. In addition, lessons and supplemental activities assist teachers with differentiating instruction for ability levels and experiences (Carol Ann Tomlinson, The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners). Both backward design and differentiated instruction are advocated by the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Course assessments (submissions and exams) utilize the technique of clustering questions by learning objective and difficulty level, as established in Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy of Critical Thinking. This feature allows teachers to focus remediation and individualize instruction on specific areas of student need.

The combination of educational research and client input is the foundation for all Educational Options' curriculum development. The superior quality of its developers and their deep understanding of instructional theory, along with a unique web-based delivery system, allow Educational Options’ (and thereby, Blue Ridge Academy’s) curriculum to meet and exceed the needs of teachers and administrators striving to improve student achievement. For additional questions regarding curriculum development or methodology, please contact us.