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Curriculum Development Overview

At Per Scholas, the curriculum development process is designed to create comprehensive, industry-aligned learning experiences that prepare learners for real-world success. The structured workflow ensures consistency, quality, and alignment with the workplace-based training model.

Development Workflow and Outputs

The development process ensures consistency and quality across all curriculum projects, whether custom-built or adapted from third-party content. Each phase of development produces specific outputs that contribute to the complete learning experience.

1

Project Kickoff and Intake

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The process begins with a review of the course outline or development request to understand the scope and goals. Roles are assigned, timelines created, and technical infrastructure needs are identified.

Key Activities

  • Participates in intake calls to share industry expertise
  • Helps clarify the focus and expectations
  • Sets the stage for success with early insights
  • Reviews and validates project scope
  • Confirms technical requirements
  • Aligns on development timeline

Outputs

  • Project charter outlining scope and goals
  • Detailed module list
  • SME team assignments
  • Initial course outline
  • Development timeline
2

The team maps out the learning journey by designing authentic workplace tasks, aligning objectives to real job roles, and planning how content will flow. Success metrics and assessment strategies are established.

Key Activities

  • Ensures learning objectives match workplace demands
  • Suggests realistic tasks and assessments
  • Shapes meaningful learning experiences
  • Defines clear success metrics
  • Plans engaging content flow
  • Identifies key resources needed

Outputs

  • Framework for assessments aligned to objectives
  • Clear content flow plan
  • List of resources needed
  • Development standards for consistency
3

The team builds detailed content grounded in real-world tasks—technical guides, role-based materials, hands-on exercises, and assessments designed for active learning.

Key Activities

  • Reviews drafts carefully
  • Flags non-industry standard content
  • Ensures accuracy and practical relevance
  • Designs hands-on exercises
  • Creates real-world assessments
  • Develops support materials

Outputs

  • Complete module blueprints
  • Technical content and learner materials
  • Assessment tools and instructor guides
  • Career readiness resources
  • Support materials
4

Quality Assurance

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Content undergoes thorough review to verify accuracy, alignment, and quality. Feedback is documented, and revisions are made as needed.

Key Activities

  • Provides thoughtful, actionable feedback
  • Ensures curriculum meets high standards
  • Verifies technical accuracy
  • Checks assessment alignment
  • Reviews support materials
  • Documents improvement suggestions

Outputs

  • SME review rubrics and QA checklists
  • Documented feedback and revision notes
  • Verification of learning goal alignment
  • Quality assurance documentation
5

Implementation

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The learning environment is set up, facilitators are trained, and all materials and tools are prepared and tested.

Key Activities

  • Supports facilitator training
  • Shares insights and answers questions
  • Validates delivery readiness
  • Reviews resource preparation
  • Tests materials with the team
  • Creates implementation guides

Outputs

  • Environment setup guides
  • Facilitator training materials
  • Implementation checklists
  • Troubleshooting guides
  • Support resources
6

The team gathers data on learner performance and feedback to identify what's working and what can be improved. Materials and processes are updated accordingly.

Key Activities

  • Reviews performance outcomes
  • Analyzes learner feedback
  • Suggests field-based improvements
  • Drives continuous excellence
  • Documents best practices
  • Plans future enhancements

Outputs

  • Performance reports and feedback summaries
  • Recommendations for improvement
  • Updated materials
  • Best practice guides
  • Lessons learned documentation

Product Development Dashboard

The Product Development Dashboard provides tools for:

  • Monitoring development milestones
  • Tracking feedback and revisions
  • Maintaining project alignment
  • Accessing key resources and templates

Required Instructional Outputs

All curriculum projects must produce the following outputs. Use the PS ID Companion to generate, review, and check for quality alignment across every component.

Module-Level Outputs (Required for Each Module)

  • Learning Objectives (Bloom’s-aligned, job-relevant)
  • Simulation Scenario (role, context, deliverable)
  • Assessments:
    • Knowledge-Based Assessment (KBA)
    • Skills-Based Assessment (SBA)
    • Optional peer reflection or team debrief
  • Hands-On Activities or Labs (real-world tasks, troubleshooting included)
  • Slide Decks (scenario framing, review prompts, wrap-up)
  • Facilitator Guide (stand-ups, coaching cues, common blockers)
  • QA Review using the PS ID Companion (simulation, Bloom’s, alignment)
Course-Level Outputs (Required Once Per Course)

  • Course Overview Document
    • Summary of course structure, simulation framing, and learner goals
  • Full Course Map
    • List of modules, objectives, and assessments
  • Assessment Plan
    • Summary of all KBAs/SBAs by module
    • Final project or capstone description (if applicable)
  • Slide Deck Templates or Intro Deck
    • Cohort kickoff slides (Week 1 framing)
  • Instructor Onboarding Notes
    • High-level teaching guidance
    • Role of simulation at the course level
    • Notes on integrating PD, wellness, and KPIs
  • Final QA Sign-Off
    • Full course package reviewed using the PS ID Companion

Support

Need support with curriculum development?

  • Join our weekly curriculum development sync.
  • Schedule a development consultation with an instructional lead.
  • Access development templates and examples from our resource library.
  • Review past projects in our documentation.
  • Connect with other curriculum developers.
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