Curriculum & Assessment

Northgate's Curriculum and Assessment Department oversees curriculum, instruction, professional development, student testing, and instructional resources district-wide. Areas of emphasis include literacy, numeracy and curriculum alignment to the PA Core Academic Standards. The department also manages the integration of instructional technology.

We believe that learning opportunities designed for our students should be cross-curricular, culturally responsive, and project based. In that spirit, our curriculum must be comprehensive and balanced and represent our students’ diverse backgrounds. Northgate’s curricula are research-based, modeled from best practices, and aligned with state and national standards. Within each content area, students are given the opportunity to master essential knowledge, skills, and competencies. This occurs by having students participate in a broad range of lessons, both within and outside of the classroom setting. It is imperative that students apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies to real-world issues. In addition to mastering core knowledge, skills, and competencies, the District also believes it is vitally important for students to develop competencies in 21st-century skills:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Working cooperatively with diverse groups
• Resolving conflicts
• Taking responsibility for one’s own learning
• Producing quality work