Domain 2: Curriculum

The last three years of intense professional learning with Discovery Education and New Pedagogies for Deep Learning has led us to cross-curricular planning at Weisser Park Fine Arts Magnet school. Our staff utilizes the district curriculum scope and sequence as a springboard for identifying the Indiana State Standards for science and computer science for the unit and lesson design focus. Weekly collaboration involves classroom teachers with teachers from special education, ELL, intervention, STEM resource and special areas in developing instructional units, lessons and assessments that are “Stemified” for ALL students. Administrators provide resources and are also thought partners with the teachers in order to create highly engaging lessons. Students are also given opportunities to share ideas and topics of interest for curriculum planning. Transdisciplinary unit and lesson designs support a natural tie between content areas that enhance real word problem-solving and hands-on learning. The units and lesson plans are designed with a focus on one or more of the six Global Competencies: Citizenship, Character, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking and Communication.

2.1

2.1 Curriculum Integration

The integrated STEAM curriculum at Weisser Park is supported by units from Discovery Education and Defined Learning. These resources promote engaging, inquiry-based, student-centered STEAM learning experiences.

2.2

2.2 Curriculum Implementation

Integrated STEAM curriculum has been implemented with fidelity over the course of two or more full school years.

2.2

2.3 Computer Science

All students at Weisser Park receive instruction in Computer Science through weekly STEAM innovation lessons that provide experiences with coding and problem solving. Classroom instruction is supported by the district's technology lessons on digital citizenship and literacy.

2.3

2.4 Employability Skills

Our school and district focuses on the six global competencies: character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. Through the use of learning progressions in each competency, we evaluate the level of understanding for each student and collaboratively plan strategies to develop our students' employability skills. Lessons are thoughtfully and explicitly taught to support student understanding and application. Students participate in weekly Social Emotional Learning lessons to promote responsible citizenship

2.4

2.5 Access amd opportunity for ALl Learners

The Weisser Park staff is committed to the education of all students. Weekly collaboration meetings include classroom, intervention, ELL and Special ED teachers. Lessons are developed to scaffold and support student growth.

2.5

2.6 Assessment

Students are provided a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their STEAM understanding. Teachers use a variety of methods to provide feedback to students.

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