How to Create a High School Curriculum Map

A curriculum map is a comprehensive outline detailing all of the concepts necessary to teach a specific subject.  A curriculum differs from a lesson plan.  A lesson plan is a method designed to teach one class or concept.  A curriculum encompasses the entire course.

• Outline the key concepts that are necessary for meeting the national and state standards for the subject.  Create clear and concise objectives for both student and teacher outcomes for the entire course, and for each unit in the course.  The objectives will guide you towards developing lesson plans that uphold your objectives.


• Set up a timeline of deadlines to meet.  This is a way for you to set the pace of the class for the year so that your class meets all of the standard requirements for the subject.  Your curriculum map is a personal way for you to set your teaching goals, and is a visual map you can share with other education officials. 


• Use word processing or spreadsheet software, like Microsoft Office, to make a visual curriculum map.  In the first column outline the week numbers, add a second column for the dates and a third column for the number of school days in the week. 


• Add the unit numbers that correspond with the textbook in the next column.  List the topics within each unit according to the weeks you intend to cover each concept.  Color-code the map for easy reference, if you want.  Use other columns to add information for your own use such as links to your lesson plans for each day or week, and a log of progress for each week.