“In the past, a common curriculum did not materialize because teachers had not bought in. Involving teachers was the most powerful thing we have done. They were at the table deciding what our students would learn and how they would learn it. Everything else followed.”
This reminds me of something my school is trying to do this year. Technically we've had a schoolwide writing curriculum, but so few teachers implemented it that it was rendered ineffective. Every teacher, regardless of content area, is supposed to use this writing program so we have consistency as a school. This year, our principal intends to enforce this program and if all participate, I'm excited to see the results.