The purpose of the North Allegheny School District Curriculum Review Process is to continually guide the analysis, revision, and reflection of the North Allegheny School District curriculum. A comprehensive and systematic process was utilized to evaluate the existing BCIT Curriculum and programming. The results of that research has led to the following recommendations, developed in order to continue North Allegheny’s highly successful BCIT Department.

The following recommendations will drive the BCIT Department’s goals over the next four to six years. Each major recommendation is followed by specific goals and the findings to support those goals.

Recommendation #1 – BCIT Philosophy

1. Adopt the updated BCIT Department Philosophy: 
   
   Business, Computer and Information Technology (BCIT) education at North Allegheny thrives in a rapidly evolving global environment. The program offers a well rounded curriculum that connects students to real-world applications through collaborative hands-on learning experiences. The curriculum includes business fundamentals (management, marketing, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, etc.), personal financial literacy, and information technology. BCIT equips students with the critical thinking, leadership, and career readiness skills needed to succeed, both personally and professionally, in an interconnected, technology-driven world.
   
   
2. Embed the updated philosophy into all course syllabi, learning management system (Canvas), and curriculum documents by Fall, 2025.

Recommendation #2 – Financial Literacy

1. Implementation of the required PA Financial Literacy Course, taught by members of the BCIT Department.
   
   1. BCIT will work with North Allegheny administration and counseling to develop a phased implementation timeline for the Personal Financial Literacy graduation requirement.
      
      1. Beginning with the graduating class of 2030, Personal Financial Literacy will be a mandatory course.
      2. Students will complete the requirement in either their 10th or 11th grade year, contingent on their Science pathway.
      3. The 2026-2027 North Allegheny Program of Studies will be revised to incorporate this new graduation requirement.
         
         
   2. Enhance the Personal Financial Literacy course by:
      
      1. Analyzing the current BCIT Personal Financial Literacy course and align it with newly adopted state financial literacy standards.
      2. Work in partnership with the North Allegheny Student Services Department to guarantee that financial literacy education is accessible and effective for all students, including those in gifted and special education, through appropriate curriculum design and individualized modifications.
         
         
2. Identify opportunities for Project Based Learning (PBL) and real life experiences to be included in the Personal Financial Literacy course.
   
   1. In collaboration with local businesses, have experiences relating to (but not limited to):
      
      1. Banking
      2. Saving & Investing
      3. Loans
      4. Credit
      5. Insurance
      6. Car and Home Purchasing
         
         
3. Explore Professional Development opportunities.
   1. Provide professional development and training for all BCIT teachers who will be responsible for the delivery of the new state required course: Personal Financial Literacy.
   2. Create a professional learning community to remain current in financial literacy education.
   3. Ongoing training for all BCIT teachers regarding innovative methods to vary instructional activities and to effectively integrate concepts, application, and skills into the daily classroom.
      
      

1. Research that expands and enhances resources for students at the middle school and high school.
   
   High School Curriculum - Research the implications of adding a required course “Personal Financial Literacy” to the BCIT Program of Studies. Update and revise the course offerings to include current BCIT trends and relevant concepts and applications.  Align the BCIT Curriculum with collegiate programs, business needs, and student needs.
   
   Middle School Curriculum - Expand the existing middle school curriculum, modify the name of the 6th grade course from Keyboarding to BCIT 6, and ensure a consistent classroom environment. 
   
   

• • Expanding the BCIT 6 curriculum beyond touch typing (keyboarding) would include:

1. • • Digital literacy and citizenship, emphasizing responsible online behavior and digital wellness.
     • Proficient use of word processing tools (Google Docs, MS Word) for document creation, formatting, and collaborative editing.
     • Mastery of spreadsheet applications (Google Sheets, MS Excel) for data management, analysis, and visualization.
     • Effective utilization of presentation tools (Google Slides, MS PowerPoint, Canva) for visually compelling presentations and public speaking skills.
     • A robust focus on digital wellness and safety, including online privacy, security, and responsible digital footprint management.
       
       
2. Explore new potential opportunities for elementary students to be introduced or exposed to BCIT core content such as Computers, Digital Citizenship, Digital Literacy.