DEL Curriculum Design
Course Opens October 12
Registration closes October 7
Asynchronous
Delve into the key components of lesson plan and curriculum design using the elements of dance and the DEL Framework: Body, Effort, Space, Relationship.
Course Opens October 12
Registration closes October 7
DEL Curriculum Design
Asynchronous (online)
1 year of access to all course materials
Grade Level(s)
K-12
Time to Complete
~18 Hours
Modules
6
Prerequisites
None
Course Content
In this six-module asynchronous course, participants delve into the key components of lesson plan and curriculum design using the elements of dance and the DEL Framework: Body, Effort, Space, Relationship.
Participants learn how to develop scaffolded, developmentally appropriate, and standards-based dance learning activities that draw connections to dance artistry, choreography, theme-based learning, arts integration, and performance. Participants learn how to design dynamic lessons that align student learning objectives with content and assessments.
By the end of the course, participants will write an original six-lesson dance unit incorporating the elements of dance and dance skills.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Understand components of curriculum design, including alignment of learning objectives with content, standards, and assessments, following the DEL Model of curriculum design
- Develop scaffolded, age-appropriate, and standards-based dance-learning activities and skills that draw connections to dance artistry, theme-based learning, and arts integration
- Effectively integrate the elements of dance and skills in lesson planning and curriculum design
- Collaborate with peers in lesson planning and curriculum design following the DEL Model
Choose From Two Modes of Study
Independent Study courses offer students the freedom to learn at their own pace, allowing them to dedicate as much or as little time to the material as they choose.
- No set deadlines
- Full control over the timing and progression of your learning
- Best suited for those who prefer to study independently and autonomously
- Retain access to course materials for one year, providing ample opportunity to revisit and review content at your convenience
Facilitated Study courses offer a more structured and interactive learning experience, ideal for students who value consistent feedback, community engagement, and a clear course timeline.
- Submit weekly assignments, along with a final assignment
- Receive written feedback from facilitators
- Mid-course Zoom meeting where students can meet their cohort, engage with peers, and connect directly with the course facilitator for additional support and guidance
- May include discussion boards for peer interaction
- Designed for students who thrive in a guided, collaborative setting
- Approximately 3 hours of engagement per week
- All Facilitated Study courses are eligible for undergraduate credit through DEL’s partnership with SUNY Empire State University for a separate and additional fee
Discounts
- NYCDOE dance specialists get 50% off every DEL course.
- NYCDOE common branch teachers get 10% off every DEL course.
- NYCDOE Arnhold New Teachers get DEL courses free for their first and second year teaching in the DOE.
Email [email protected] for more information
Scholarships
Scholarships are available through 92NY.
Learn more about general 92NY scholarship information and applications.
Credits
Students may take this course in Facilitated Study format for SUNY Empire State University credit for a separate and additional fee, and will receive 4 undergraduate credits.
Educators can also receive New York State CTLE credits for completed DEL courses.
What's Inside Our Curriculum Design Course
6 Modules of Learning:
In Module 1, Ann Biddle, DEL Professional Learning and Curriculum Senior Consultant, will offer a roadmap of what to expect in the course. Students will receive an overview of the DEL Model and be introduced to key tenets of curriculum design.
In Module 2, you will:
- Review the DEL Lesson Plan format
- Dive deeper into the components of a lesson plan
- Practice designing a mini-dance unit of three sequential lessons
- Create an outline for your proposed six-lesson dance unit
In Module 3, you will learn about a curriculum design framework known as Understanding by Design also referred to as “backward design” created by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe.
In Module 4, you will:
- Continue to look at the core components of Understanding by Design and learn how to design clear Learning Objectives
- Clarify the difference between skills, knowledge, and understanding
- Explore different types of assessments to integrate into your lesson plans/dance unit
- Learn about the importance of aligning your curriculum design with local, state, or national dance standards
In Module 5, you will meet DEL Facilitator Catherine Gallant, who will share her knowledge and experience with designing dance curricula. You will also continue to flesh out your dance unit outline and lesson plans.
In Module 6, you will bring all the components of curriculum design together to design your final dance unit.
DEL's Online Learning Platform
DEL uses a custom-made learning portal called Learndash. When you enroll, you’ll be given access to your own personal account with DEL. On your DEL Member Dashboard, you’ll find an orientation to get comfortable using our Learndash system, access to DEL Basic resources, and some FAQs.
You’ll see any DEL courses you’re enrolled in and when you click into each course, you can navigate to the lessons and Modules within.
All participants who enroll in a DEL course receive access to our DEL Basics.
This includes:
- Key charts and handouts in English and Spanish, like the DEL Model graphic and DEL Mottos
- DEL Dance Framework charts that can be downloaded and printed for use in the dance classroom
- Information and charts on the DEL Movement Sentence
- Resources on the DEL Lesson Plan format
Every asynchronous DEL course moves beyond a lecture-style format, engaging participants in multi-modal learning, where lessons ask you to read, reflect, dance, watch, or listen.
See some examples of how lessons break up modes of learning:
Those who opt for Facilitated Study will receive feedback and insights from DEL facilitators and their peers. All Facilitated Study participants post assignments throughout the course and are expected to respond and discuss posts by their peers as well.
Meet Your Instructors
Ann Biddle
Ann Biddle (B.A., Kenyon College; M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University) is a leader in the field of dance education with over 35 years of experience as a dancer, choreographer, educator, professional developer, school administrator, and curriculum writer. She currently serves as the Professional Learning and Curriculum Senior Consultant for the...
Catherine Gallant
Catherine Gallant, MFA was the assistant director at 92Y Harkness Dance Center from 1994-96 just as DEL was beginning and has been on the faculty of the Dance Education Laboratory since 2003. She has presented her work at 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center, WestFest and American Dance Guild. Recently...