Introduction

Partnering with Families and Schools to Improve Curriculum Access

In summer 2023, Kids First Chicago, supported by the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation and in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, launched the Curriculum Project to provide families with clear, bilingual, and accessible information about curriculum and CPS’s Skyline curriculum while strengthening parent–teacher collaboration. 

Guided by the Skyline Learning and Engagement Team (SLET) - a group of parents, students, and teachers - the project worked with CPS’s Office of Network Support to engage eight pilot schools from Networks 13 and 17 through surveys and outreach. As a result of our feedback collection campaign, we collected 430+ survey responses that helped us shape curriculum resources to better inform families.

Read the Full Executive Summary

Round 1 Surveys: 180+ responses

Collected information on what families know about curriculum/Skyline and their preferred resource formats. 

Round 2 Surveys: 250+ responses

Collected feedback about the drafted resources to ensure they met the needs of families.

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I am more likely to share this resource with other families to make them aware and up to date on the curriculum being utilized in their students school and how we as parents can support our students.

Family Resources

Curriculum 101

The curriculum is the overall learning plan that guides teachers on what is taught, how it is taught, and how progress is assessed to ensure that students meet educational goals and standards.

Curriculum 201

The overall learning plan: what is taught, how it is taught, and how progress is measured.

Skyline 101

The Skyline curriculum, created in collaboration with hundreds of teachers from Chicago Public Schools (CPS), is a fully digital curriculum for Pre-K through 12th grade developed for CPS. Launched in 2021, Skyline was designed to ensure that all CPS students have access to a rigorous, high-quality education that is culturally responsive and tailored to their needs. Teachers and students can provide feedback on Skyline to ensure it meets the needs of classrooms across CPS.

The Power of Parent-Teacher Collaboration

YOUR INVOLVEMENT and understanding of what your child is learning can greatly enhance their education. By working with teachers and supporting your child’s learning at home, you help them do their best in school and feel emotionally supported. This collaboration creates a caring environment that values education, respects all backgrounds, and helps every child succeed.

More Family Resources

Visit our 'Family Resource' page for more resources.

Looking for another way to become more involved in your student's academic journey? Join the Kids First Chicago parent network!