Embedded Files
The PLTW curriculum we use is an activity-, project-, and problem-based (APB) instructional design that centers on hands-on, real-world activities, projects, and problems that help students understand how the knowledge and skills they develop in the classroom may be applied in everyday life. The APB approach scaffolds student learning through structured activities and projects that empower students to become independent in the classroom and help them build skill sets to apply to an open-ended design problem. This approach provides students with unique opportunities to work collaboratively, identify problems, apply what they know, persevere through challenges, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning. (curriculum according to https://www.pltw.org/our-programs/curriculum )
Students at LES participate in many STEM activities where they are engaged in the design and engineering process. Project Based Learning is used by all of our teachers. Teachers also introduce different career pathways that are connected to the STEM activities. In our makerspace students are in engaged and collaborating while making, learning, and exploring new ideas and inventions.
2.1 Curriculum Integration
2.1 Curriculum Integration
We use the PLTW program in all grades, K-4, at LES. PLTW focuses on pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science that engage students in hands-on activities, projects, and problems; empower them to solve real-world challenges; and inspire them to reimagine how they see themselves.
All teachers have been trained in PBL by Magnify Learning and use their plan for creating PBL used in their classrooms. All teacheers implement PBL in their curriculum as is required by their teaching evaluations.
PBL Completed Planning Document
PBL Lessons Created by LCSC Teachers
More PBL Lessons Created by LCSC Teachers
PBL Survey to Staff and Students
2.2 Computer Science
2.2 Computer Science
All students complete a PLTW module with an emphasis on computer science. Students are also involved with the Code.org curriculum and Scratch throughout the year. Students go through a unit on Digital Citizenship during Media Center time.
Staff has received professional development in these computer science areas:
code.org
Scratch
Hour of Code
IU computer science instructor presentation
STEM Fellow training
PLTW Launch Modules that Contain Coding
PLTW Modules Used at Each Grade Level
Computer Science Guiding Document Screenshot - K-8 coding activities used in each grade level
Kindergarten Coding Lesson Plan - Binary Code Christmas Ornaments
First Grade Coding Lesson Image
Second Grade Coding Lesson Plan
2.3 Employability Skills
2.3 Employability Skills
We are currently in our third year of implementing a schoolwide program called the “'Mane' Traits of a Lion." Throughout this program, our students are taught soft skills that are necessary for success in their postsecondary endeavors. These traits are as follows: Show Up, Get Grit, Be Respectful, Pay It Forward, Work Hard, Be Positive, Get Along, Be Flexible, Join the Club, and Keep Learning. LCSC has incorporated these 10 "mane" traits to instill the soft skills needed for our students to be successful in the 21st century workforce. Students are selected each month for being a representative that displays the specific Mane Trait of the Month and are rewarded for such. Students are given punch cards that are punched when a teacher sees them showing a certain Mane Trait. Once the card is full, students are given prizes.
Students are also exposed to a variety of STEM careers and pathways in the following areas: Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Computer Science, Humanities and Business, and Bio-Medical. Each nine weeks, all four pathways are explored. This exploration of student interests will help students find a pathway in an area that interests them so they can choose a career that suits those curiousities and continues to peak student interests beyond their primary years in school.
When community partners work with our students, they are asked which Mane Traits they find valuable in their employees and which trait they use the most in their job.
Megan Shake, our Youth First Social Worker, works with students monthly on a program called "Character Counts." In this program, Megan discusses content relating to character development and help them become future leaders.
Third grade classes empower students to apply for jobs at their Third Grade Cafe. They fill out applications, create resumes, and interview for various positions in the cafe including cooks, waitress, hostess, and janitor.
Mane Traits Students of the Month
Design Team Mane Traits Development Meeting
September 2020 Students of the Month - Mane Trait = Show Up
October 2020 Students of the Month - Mane Trait = Be Respectful
Character Counts Presentation Schedule
2.4 Equity
2.4 Equity
Special education teachers are provided with weekly curriculum and lesson plans from each grade level. They provide accommodations and adaptations for student academic needs. Special education students are included in our daily STEM instruction time and support staff is provided when needed. Accommodations and behavior plans are followed in every class and for every student that has one or both.
We have a Youth First Social worker that works with teachers and students to provide students with the emotional support that they need to succeed in their academic and personal endeavors.
Every student in our school is exposed to the same STEM and PLTW Launch activities, as all classroom teachers do these activies during times when students aren't being pulled out for remediation or elective classes.
Our special education staff collaborated with our teachers on their PBL creations and assists with STEM and other lessons as needed.
Special education teachers join grade level PLC meetings as needed to offer guidance and best practices for the special education population. During PLC meetings, all teachers from that grade level are in attendance.
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - Kindergarten
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - 1st Grade
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - 2nd Grade
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - 3rd Grade
2.5 Assessments
2.5 Assessments
Rubrics are used to assess the learning outcomes and needs in writing, PLTW, and STEM activities. Rubrics enable teachers to evaluate students' performance in situations that more closely replicate real life than an isolated test. They also provide students with a clear picture of what they need to do to improve their score for future learning. Students are also assessed by Launch Logs in PLTW, digitally and orally (especailly in kindergarten).
Rubric used on Student Solar Energy Project
Individual Collaboration Rubric
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