CMAPTOOLS FACILITATES ALIGNMENT OF LOCAL CURRICULUM WITH STATE STANDARDS : A CASE STUDY

Concept maps were used to align the Lexington Public Schools’ local elementary life science benchmarks and interdisciplinary Big Backyard program with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (MA) Life Science Framework. CmapTools was used to create a template concept map of the MA Life Science Framework. A color-coding system was used to compare life science concepts from the Lexington Elementary Life Science Benchmarks with the state template map. Concepts were color-coded to indicate alignment with the state (green in web version; medium-gray in print version), nonalignment with the state (red in web version; dark gray in print version), and more depth than the state (yellow in web version; light gray in print version). The same method was used to examine how the interdisciplinary Lexington Big Backyard program supports the state’s life science framework. The analysis is useful in that it offers a clear visual indicator of “fit” between the state framework and local benchmarks. Its utility comes primarily in assuring that the district addresses the state framework. This alignment strategy offers insight into recommendations that can easily incorporate “red concepts” into existing instructional activities and objectives. As state science testing becomes more high stakes, such alignment methods increase in value. While other alignment strategies exist, concept mapping offers a particularly robust decision-making tool for a constructivist-based learning community. In addition to providing a visual framework, the concept maps, by demonstrating connections among concepts, can help teachers develop instructional activities in a cohesive manner.