TCSD Core Instructional Practices

As a key aspect of credible and consistently implemented curriculum, our district is committed to the continual process of guaranteed and viable curriculum (GVC) development and improvement which results in a GVC in each classroom. A GVC is an integral part of TCSD’s system for the delivery of quality curriculum to all students. As an integration of the information from state standards and TCSD curriculum guides, GVCs serve as the foundation to an intentionally designed and delivered scope and sequence of curriculum culminating in a progression of desired academic outcomes (DAO). 

A guaranteed and viable curriculum is an intentionally developed scope and sequence map that ensures:

1. Every standard is accounted for and that every child will be taught every standard (guaranteed)
2. The curriculum can realistically be taught in the time available for the course (viable)

A thoughtful process is necessary to create an effective GVC product. In its simplest form, the product of the GVC process is a scope and sequence that is carefully and thoughtfully designed to ensure each student will have adequate time and access to learning each standard during the course. Both the product and the process are critical to this end. Each is described below. More information about Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum.

The TCSD instructional framework is a structure for sound daily instruction to deliberately support learner success. The framework provides TCSD with a common language and model for instructional practice. More information about the Instructional Framework.

To realize the power of common formative assessment (CFA), in TCSD we believe in embedding CFAs in an instructional cycle. CFAs are an artifact (the actual assessment) embedded in a process (the instructional cycle).

Common Formative Assessments provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and for teachers to assess students’ learning progress. The CFA Cycle translates information into action. The CFA Cycle is the implementation of a CFA into an instructional sequence of instruction, formative assessment, results analysis, student feedback, and data-informed responses. The actions occurring after the administration of a CFA produce the powerful effects of formative assessment. Student feedback, prevention instruction, and enrichment opportunities are the culmination of the cycle. More information about CFAs and the CFA Cycle. 

Unit plans operationalize a systematic approach to ensuring that fundamental practices are deeply embedded in every classroom in Tooele County School District. The previous core instructional practices provide the groundwork for a well-designed unit of instruction. The final piece is to support students at their current level of understanding. Interventions at the end of a unit aim to proactively address potential learning barriers before they become long-term and persistent issues by providing instruction on targeted content and skills. Many students simply need another exposure or learning opportunity to continue acquiring the content and skills of the grade level curriculum. Other students may need significantly more support. Interventions provide this additional layer of aid following unit assessments. More information about Unit Design with Interventions and Enrichments.

Tooele County School District (TCSD) is a professional learning community with the primary purpose of enhancing student learning and improving student achievement. Teams throughout the District accomplish this purpose through goal setting, inquiry, reflection, and action based on student learning data. Teacher teams use TCSD’s Core Instructional Practices and the Five Essential Questions to develop and implement effective strategies, support each other in professional growth, and ultimately create an effective learning environment for students.

PLC Guide-Companion Presentation

TCSD PLC Meeting Agenda Template

A Guide for Professional Learning Community Teams in TCSD

To prevent the loss of access to shared files, teacher teams are encouraged to utilize shared drives. The files below explain how to setup shared drives and move existing files into the shared space.

Using Shared Drives (Document)

Using Shared Drives (video)