CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION Christine Steiner, Supervisor of Language Arts and Social Studies Christopher Duvall, Supervisor of STEM
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION Presentation Agenda Where Are We Now? A Common Vision For Curriculum And Instruction Language Arts and Social Studies Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Where Do We Go From Here? Progress To Date
WHERE ARE WE NOW? Curriculum o predominantly not aligned to standards level of expectation is below standards o incomplete, unsupportive of instruction has led to inconsistent learning experiences Resources o range from inadequate to instructionally sound Decision Making o lack input from key District stakeholders Communication o little recognition of strengths and successes
WHERE ARE WE NOW? K-12 ELA and SS experiences are primarily textbook/program driven o additional varied resources are needed Instructional approaches and practices lack consistency Opportunities for integration are not utilized Current HS electives offer topics of interest but do not link to distinct career paths Image copyright neh.gov
WHERE ARE WE NOW? STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics K-12 STEM experiences range from nonexistent to instructionally sound Current K-6 Technology Ed. time focuses on computer skills Current HS STEM electives include earth, biology, math, business and computer application courses There are few tech. ed. courses and no engineering or computer programming courses in Saddle Brook with no distinct career paths Images copyright springisd.org
A COMMON VISION FOR CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION A common vision will promote: Collaboration among district stakeholders to inform curricular and instructional decisions A culture of making data-driven, standards-based decisions Consistency between and among buildings o vertical articulation across grade levels o horizontal articulation to ensure progression of skills and expectations A common understanding of instructional approach
LANGUAGE ARTS AND SOCIAL STUDIES Common Core State Standards o guide instructional decisions ELA K-12 o enhance instructional decisions SS 6-12 PARCC ELA o expectations, rigor, format, training, practice o alignment of classroom practice K-12 ELA and SS skills need to be standardized Image copyright pkwy.k12.mo.us
LANGUAGE ARTS AND SOCIAL STUDIES Instructional Approach o differentiate learning experiences o increase small group instruction o implement Balanced Literacy ELA K-6 shared, guided and independent reading and writing o expand use of informational text integrate within literacy block K-6 o cross-curricular connections align units of study to allow integrated approach o define career pathways Image copyright learningisthinking.net
A VISION FOR SADDLE BROOK: LANGUAGE ARTS AND SOCIAL STUDIES Infor mat iona l Tex t Care er Pa thwa ys Images copyright Princeton University, Troy, MI School District, gchs.info, thelearningpad.net, ultimateacademics.com Coupflip.com, dailylearningtools.com, Montgomery Schools, MD
STEM Common Core State Standards o guide instructional decisions Math K-12 o enhance instructional decisions Science 6-12 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) o K-12 standards based on the Common Core o includes K-12 Engineering Design o guide instructional decisions Science K-12 PARCC Math o expectations, rigor, format, training, practice o alignment of classroom practice K-12 STEM skills need to be standardized Images copyright nextgenscience.org, Osceola, FL School District
Images copyright mheonline.com, Minneapolis, MN School District, Fitzpatrick.house.gov A VISION FOR SADDLE BROOK: STEM Instructional Approach: STEM K-12 o focus on authentic skill development o increase informational text o align with other disciplines o incorporate Engineering Design o enhance/expand Technology Ed. skills/opportunities o define career pathways STEM experiences to be explored: o Girls/Boys in STEM Nights, competitions o STEM lunch speakers, field trips, summer program o The Bergen County STEM Conference
Images copyright sciencewithmaldo.wordpress.com, Dr. Diana Wehrell Grabowski, army.mil, cabinetreport.com, smtmagazine.co.uk, inverselogic tech-zine, oakhillspto.org Mathematics A VISION FOR SADDLE BROOK: STEM Engineering
THE NEXT SIX MONTHS Pre-K-12 Skills Continuum o guides development of curricula, assessments, and alignment of resources Curriculum o guided by the latest standards and best practices Assessments o diagnostic assessments current level of performance monitoring progress of skill mastery
ONGOING AND UNDERWAY Focused Teams Curriculum Assessment Technology Instructional Support PARCC New Teacher Development Full-Day Kindergarten Images copyright securedgenetworks.com, edudemic.com
PROGRESS TO DATE The PARCC Math Team Focal Points = representatives from each tested school NJ Dept. of Ed. PARCC Math workshop Access to PARCC practice materials Advise planning and implementation 10/1/14 training and planning session for high school math teachers
PROGRESS TO DATE The New Teacher Development Program Revised and updated to integrate best practices Comprehensive, year-long support Implementation coordinated with Admin. Team Topics include: Classroom management Student-centered activities Evaluations Grading Technology integration
PROGRESS TO DATE The New Teacher Development Program: Evaluation Rubric Activity
PROGRESS TO DATE The Full-Day Kindergarten Program Revised and updated to integrate best practices Comprehensive, year-long support Implementation coordinated with Admin. Team Topics include: Standards-based instruction Student-centered activities Daily schedule/routines Technology integration
PROGRESS TO DATE The Full-Day Kindergarten Program: Science Center Activity
A FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Curriculum Revisions o all content areas o alignment with standards Curriculum Cycle o implement a five-year review process Professional Development o targeted training aligned with instructional goals o promotes best practices Images copyright kingsgrove.chershire.uk and unf.edu
A FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Five-year Strategic Plan Goal: Implement a comprehensive, sustainable, District-wide system for standards-based instruction, assessments, technology, staff development, student support and student enrichment that is aligned with best practices.
THANK YOU! Christine Steiner, Supervisor of Language Arts and Social Studies Christopher Duvall, Supervisor of STEM