What Is Scope and Sequence?
A document that outlines the breadth (scope) of content to be covered and the order (sequence) in which topics will be taught across a course or grade level.
A scope and sequence is a planning document that defines what content will be taught (scope) and the order in which it will be taught (sequence) across a course, grade level, or entire K-12 program. It provides the big-picture framework for curriculum planning.
Scope refers to the breadth and depth of content — which topics, standards, and skills will be covered. Sequence refers to the logical ordering of that content — what comes first, what builds on what, and how topics connect. A good sequence considers prerequisite knowledge, student development, and natural connections between topics.
Scope and sequence documents are typically created at the district or department level and are more high-level than curriculum maps or individual lesson plans. They answer the question 'What are we teaching this year and in what order?' while leaving the details of how to teach it to individual teachers.
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Curriculum Mapping
The process of aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment across a school year to ensure standards coverage, pacing, and vertical alignment between grade levels.
Backward Design
A curriculum planning approach that starts with desired learning outcomes and assessments, then designs instruction to achieve those outcomes.
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