Downingtown Area School District’s instructional vision is characterized by an emphasis on rigorous, challenging curriculum and instruction, engaging learning activities that are relevant and applicable for students, empowering students to take an active role in choosing what and how they learn (agency).

DASD’s curriculum is rooted in the instructional standards that are defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The curriculum review cycle is a systematic process for the development of instructional documents and planning for the delivery of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in each content area and grade level. Its purpose is to create a structure within which to ensure alignment of instruction to content standards, allow for the critical evaluation of academic programs, balance significant resource expenditures, provide opportunity for stakeholder feedback, ensure regular updates to curriculum based on best-practice, and drive professional development. Downingtown Area School District’s curriculum review cycle consists of six stages through which each K-12 curricular area will progress based on their assigned year. Adjustments may be made to this plan in the event of a significant legislative alteration by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, or if student outcome data indicate a need for immediate changes.

DASD is pleased to share additional information and details related to the Great Minds®️ Wit and Wisdom curriculum that is currently pending board approval.

Great Minds^® curriculum is rooted in the idea that literature, history, art, and science all have a place in ELA instruction. Providing engaging, content-rich texts can help young readers to build knowledge and foster deeper thinking while, at the same time, mastering literacy skills.

On December 8^th, the DASD board approved the purchase of  Wit and Wisdom resources for use in its K-2 classrooms beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. The program is used in conjunction with Wilson Fundations and Heggerty phonemic awareness resources. District administration has requested board approval to expand the Wit and Wisdom curricular offerings to the 3-5 grade classrooms.

To help our community better understand the framework and philosophy of this program, as well as the related resources, all K-5 grade Wit and Wisdom books are available for public review in the main lobby of the District Office (540 Trestle Place, Downingtown, PA 19335). The books will be available during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), and a feedback form is available on-site for additional thoughts or questions.