In the ever-evolving landscape of education, preparing future school and district leaders to meet the diverse needs of their students is paramount. At Millersville University, a commitment to excellence in school and district leader preparation led to the adoption of Atlas to prepare teachers, principals, curriculum directors, superintendents and other educational leaders for curricular demands of schools and districts. Dr. Ann Gaudino, Professor in the College of Education and Human Services, spearheaded this initiative, drawing from her experiences and a vision for empowering future educators.
History
Gaudino’s journey with curriculum mapping tools began two decades ago during her tenure as a principal at a private PreK-12 school in Pittsburgh. Witnessing the effectiveness of Atlas under its former name, Rubicon, at Shady Side Academy, she recognized the value of transparent curriculum documentation. Fast forward to her university teaching role at West Liberty University in West Virginia, Gaudino seized an opportunity to introduce her university students to curriculum mapping using Atlas. Despite initial challenges, including limited access and resources, she persisted, leveraging webinars to guide her students through the process. This early exposure laid the foundation for her enduring belief in the transformative potential of Atlas.
Upon joining Millersville University in 2016,, Gaudino championed the integration of Atlas into the school leadership preparation program. Leveraging its public sites and diverse resources, she empowers graduate students to explore and create curriculum maps aligned with Understanding by Design (UbD) principles. By engaging with international perspectives and diverse teaching approaches, students gained invaluable insights into curriculum design and pedagogical practices.
Resources and Training
The decision to choose Atlas was rooted in its robust features, including public sites and administrative tools, essential for PreK-12 education. Gaudino’s approach emphasized critical inquiry and exploration, aligning with UbD principles and complementing the course curriculum. By providing access to domestic and international public sites in Atlas, students were encouraged to analyze and critique diverse curriculum models, fostering a deeper understanding of educational practices worldwide. Students also utilize the webinars and resources created by the Atlas Team to learn to navigate the program before doing their curriculum evaluation and creation.
Impact and Results
The adoption of Atlas yielded tangible outcomes for Millersville University’s teacher and leadership programs. Over eight years, the program has documented 143 curriculum maps as part of the students’ final term project, reflecting a commitment to excellence and innovation. Collaborative efforts with colleagues further enriched the repository of curriculum resources, enhancing the quality and depth of learning experiences.
Feedback from students underscores the success of Atlas implementation, with many expressing enthusiasm for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Located in central Pennsylvania, where curriculum resources can be scarce, Atlas has bridged the gap, providing students with a wealth of curriculum materials and instructional insights. Through midterm projects analyzing district curriculum maps, students gained valuable insights into existing practices and identified areas for improvement, highlighting the need for ongoing curriculum development efforts.
Millersville University’s journey with Atlas exemplifies the transformative power of innovative technology in school and district leader preparation. With Dr. Ann Gaudino’s leadership, the integration of Atlas has revolutionized curriculum documentation and exploration, empowering future educators with essential skills and knowledge. As other institutions seek to enhance their school and district leadership preparation programs, Millersville’s experience serves as an exemplar, demonstrating the profound impact of Atlas in shaping the next generation of education leaders. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to excellence, Millersville University continues to pave the way for transformative teaching and learning experiences.