lae.org Instructional Advocacy

The Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum (LCC): Where We Stand

What we know:

• The LCC is a curriculum aligned to state Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) and assessments and provides activities designed to insure all students have an opportunity to master the GLEs.  See http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/uploads/6909.pdf

• The DOE used classroom teachers and outside consultants to develop the LCC.  Then groups of classroom teachers from around the state reviewed the curriculum and accompanying activities and gave feedback to the department.

• Because of time restraints, the LCC was not piloted in actual classrooms.

• While the state has indicated that all content of the curriculum, that is the GLE’s, must be taught, the department has given districts some flexibility in implementing the LCC. For more information download the Department of Educations's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/uploads/7556.pdf.

• Local districts are responsible for implementing and monitoring the LCC.

• Districts have been delegated the responsibility of deciding if units are to be taught in the order presented and whether substitutions of equivalent activities are to be allowed.  The district is responsible for determining if changes are to be made at the district, school, or teacher level.

Our Position:

• The LCC is a model curriculum and should be used as just that—a model, an example, a guide, a resource.  It should not limit a teacher's ability to make important instructional choices for students.

• The DOE should insure that districts have the flexibility to implement the LCC in a way that takes into account the value of effective teachers.

• Teachers must be allowed to do the job for which we were trained.  Districts should not unduly limit or dictate a teacher’s instructional choices.

• The LCC is a useful resource.  All teachers should study the LCC closely for its connection to the state GLEs and assessments and for the wealth of ideas and activities presented. 

School and district leaders should study the LCC and provide the resources needed for appropriate implementation of curriculum designed to meet the GLE’s, including professional development, time for implementation, implementation materials, and to develop non-intrusive strategies for monitoring its implementation.

Information related to the affect of Hurricane Katrina on " No Child Left Behind"