Embedded Files
Domain Summary: Curriculum
Domain Summary: Curriculum
Well-trained, passionate educators are our most important resource. Curriculum is selected based on identified high priority Indiana Academic Standards (cross-curricular inquiry-based approach), the Next Generation Science Standards, and the Framework for 21st Century Learning and aligned to the Indiana Department of Education’s STEM Six-year Strategic Plan. Age-appropriate employability skills and career exploration are intentionally embedded into curriculum frameworks. Teachers seek ways to bring the curriculum to life by developing cross curricular lessons, exposing students to authentic contexts (field trips, guest speakers, local issues), and providing opportunities for extending the learning.
As students progress to Manchester Intermediate School (MIS), integrated STEM learning experiences expand to state, national, and global issues/opportunities. Teachers trained in Project Lead The Way (PLTW) deliver engaging cross-curricular lessons that include standards-based computer science content. Additionally, STEM Road Map curriculum (real-world learning context, delivered through authentic problem-solving pedagogy) from NSTA Press, provides our intermediate students with project-based learning opportunities. Create2THINK units provide a comprehensive approach to learning with cross-curricular connections to high priority academic standards as well as links to career exploration and employability skill development. Generation Genius, (NSTA) along with other online video resources, provides standards-based learning videos, lesson plans, and activities to enrich the curriculum.
The district provides robust extracurricular offerings to all students. All buildings offer after school computer clubs. These clubs provide extensions to the computer science content taught in the classroom. Additionally, the intermediate, junior, and senior high schools offer robotics and *Science Olympiad. Our FFA program has received national recognition and provides unique STEM learning experiences to our junior/senior high school students. Elements of robotics, Science Olympiad, and FFA are woven into our elementary curriculum.
*Science Olympiad, a National organization founded in 1984, was recognized as a model program by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. Activities at all grade levels are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and cover all STEM disciplines. MCS has a wealth of success stories generated from our participation in Science Olympiad. Many of our students have cultivated a passion and have chosen a STEM career as a result of their participation in Science Olympiad.
Key Focal Points, Concepts, and Common Language
Literacy
Three Dimensions
Practices (Process Standards)
Crosscutting Concepts
Integrated Core Content (Academic Standards)
Developmentally Progressive
Place-based
2.1 Curriculum Integration
2.1 Curriculum Integration
At least 50 percent of planned, integrated STEM curriculum is evidence-based
Each grade level utilizes the CREATE2THINK PBL units. There are 8 units per grade level. This is the Unit Roadmap for one of the 6th grade units.
6-Wild Rides-Unit Plan.pdfStudents in 6th grade participate in STEM rotation and will work with LEGO robotics. Students build and create moving, programable robots that are capable of accomplishing various tasks.
CREATE2THINK STEM/PBL units follow the 5E model of instruction so students build a strong foundation of knowledge through active participation.
STEM 1 pager (2).pdfAll 6th grade students participate in STEM rotation and will study Project Lead the Way Innovators and Makers.
2.2 Computer Science
2.2 Computer Science
Standards-based computer science content is incorporated into the school curriculum for 100% of the students
All 6th grade students participate in PLTW, which incorporates standards based computer science. In this PLTW rotation, students will work with microbits to learn how to code the microbit and connect them to complete circuits. Students explore how to make lights work, add sounds, compass, pressure sensors, light sensors, and much more.
IMG_6557 - Jen Birch.jpeg
CREATE2THINK units incorporate standards based computer science for 100% of students. Refer to page 4 on document. This particular unit focuses on 2 of the 6th grade computer science standards throughout the phases.
6-Wild Rides-Unit Plan.pdfMIS STEM leaders attended a Computer Science workshop last summer to support CS integration into curriculum.
Integrating CS Standards Workshop - Participant Agenda - Sue Gnagy.pdf
Example of the two Computer Science standards incorporated into a 4th grade CREATE2THINK unit.
2.3 Employability Skills
2.3 Employability Skills
Employability Skills Standards, based upon the appropriate grade band, are integrated into the school curriculum for 100 percent of students
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS INTEGRATION INTO UNITS
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS INTEGRATION INTO UNITS
CREATE2THINK incorporates Employability Skill Standards in every unit for 100% of students. (Refer to page 4)
6-Wild Rides-Unit Plan.pdf
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
Example of the Employability Skill Standards incorporated in a 4th grade CREATE2THINK unit
CREATE2THINK/INDIANA EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS CROSS-WALK
CREATE2THINK/INDIANA EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS CROSS-WALK
STEM Indiana Employability Skills Crosswalk.pdf2.4 Equity
2.4 Equity
General education teachers are connected with appropriate special education teachers and support services teachers (ENL, Interpreters, etc...) for necessary material development and refinement for diverse learners based upon their understanding of students' academic needs
Our ENL department collaborates regularly with general education teachers and develops comprehensive plans for providing instructional support throughout the day for all grade levels.
Special education and general education staff members plan, collaborate, and team teach to support students on all academic levels.
This is an example of a ELA Collaboration agenda with Classroom Teachers, Special Education Teachers, and English Learner Teacher.
The support services (EL, SPED, Speech, counselor) and classroom teachers meet regularly to assure classroom content is accessible to students. This year, the district launched a Google Classroom (Universal Design for Learning (UDL) On-Demand ) to house materials development protocols, access training videos, and provide a platform to post questions/dialogue with colleagues. All teachers and administrators have access to this expanding resource.
The district's High Ability Coach coordinates enrichment and extension activities with classroom teachers. In the example to the right, the 5th grade High Ability group participated in a Literature Circle discussing their study of Russell Freedman’s Photobiography on Abraham Lincoln.
Teachers collaborate monthly on upcoming units with the EL teacher to plan necessary supports for all students using the SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) model. The SIOP model makes content comprehensible for English Language Learners. We are in year 1 of our 3 year rollout plan. Below is a sample collaboration lesson plan document with added supports.
5th Grade Solar System Lesson Plans.docx
The EL Department compiled a Padlet of online tools and resources for classroom teachers to use to assist with planning and accommodations.
CHRIS BARTON PD INVITE (5) (1).pdfMIS has been fortunate to host several award winning authors including Matt de la Peña, Jarrett Krosoczka, and Chris Barton. Matt presented to all students, K - 12 and did a book signing with our EL students. Chris spoke to our MIS students about some of his books (https://chrisbarton.info) and also lead a PD session for MCS teachers.
2.5 Assessments
2.5 Assessments
At least 75 percent of teachers use a variety of assessment methods for students to demonstrate STEM learning
The THINK Journal is one component within each of the C2T PBL units that teachers use to assess students learning.
6-Wild Rides-THINK Journal.pdfTeachers utilize the rubric component of C2T for each unit to assess students learning through the 5E model phases.
6-Wild Rides-Rubric.pdfEach C2T STEM/PBL unit includes an ELA Performance Task mirrored from ILEARN. This allows students to demonstrate their learning and understanding as well serving as an additional assessment piece.
6-Wild Rides-ELA PT.pdfEach C2T STEM/PBL unit includes a Math Performance Task mirrored from ILEARN. This allows students to demonstrate their learning and understanding as well serving as an additional assessment piece.
6-Wild Rides-Math PT.pdfAnother component from the C2T that teachers utilize to assess student learning is the Exit Ticket. These are administered to students at the end of each phase within the unit to address misconceptions or misunderstandings before moving them on to the next phase.
6-Wild Rides-Exit Tickets.pdf
Formative and summative assessment opportunities are embedded within all the units. Formative assessments include guidance for using discussions to uncover student learning and conclusion questions at the end of each activity, project, and problem. Summative assessment includes assessing student demonstrations of learning through their work on the problem and through Checks for Understanding in modules.
Various times throughout the school year students participate in STEM challenges. The attached rubric is used to assess the project and students' success.
All 6th grade students participate in sketchnoting for their Greek mythology unit. By utilizing sketchnoting, we are not only teaching students a new, creative way to take notes, but we are also utilizing this an informal assessment for their understanding of the myths that have been assigned to them. Students are encouraged to think outside the box, utilize diagrams, pictures, and doodles to illustrate their understanding of the myths. By incorporating the elements of ingenuity and individualism, we find our students are more excited about reading the myths and creating their note sheets!
Report abuse