THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA has an Office of Curriculum and Instruction that constantly reviews and adjusts its curriculum, aiming for courses that are "rigorous, standards driven, and guided by the individual learning needs, rich cultural heritages, and diverse perspectives of each student in the district."
THE OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia oversees dozens of parish schools, diocesan high schools and schools of special education. Its Secretariat for Catholic Education has a director of K-12 Curriculum & Instruction who could discuss trends in fusing religious and secular instruction.
THE PHILADELPHIA EDUCATION FUND, an independent nonprofit organization, has been working to improve the educational achievement of underserved youth in the Philadelphia region for the past two decades. Currently, the Philadelphia Education Fund's programs span Whole School Reform, Professional Development, Curriculum Reform, and Civic Engagement.
THE ALLIANCE ORGANIZING PROJECT is a privately funded grassroots organization that works with parents and residents "to hold all components of the community accountable for improving the quality of education for all children. Its mission is "to help parents and communities to build schools where all children achieve at high levels because they have the necessary resources, the curriculum they are taught is relevant, the school climate is inviting, and because their parents are involved in their education."
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, through its Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, offers a Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction certificate that prepares people to be districtwide specialists in curriculum and instruction across the total grade organization. The programs trains people in designing and developing curriculum, learning materials and innovative educational programs; conducting experimental instructional programs, and directing basic or applied educational research.
PENN'S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION says it "places a strong emphasis on the interactive relationship of theory, research, and practice, often focusing on urban education. Students engage in extensive fieldwork throughout their studies." For instance, it sent a team to Indonesia's tsunami zone to help rebuild and strengthen schools there. The faculty can address a range of current issues such as education reform, racial disparities in achievement, and curriculum development.
