According to Jacobs, the three key questions for upgrading content, “What is essential and timeless? What is not essential or dated? What should be created that is evident and necessary?” all need to be addressed concerning curriculum design and implementation. Once the various stakeholders have been organized and the people who decide how these questions will be answered are established, discussions for actual planning can begin. It was refreshing to read about social studies as the first choice. “It is ultimately the study of ourselves as human beings that is the basis for addressing contemporary issues.”(Jacobs, 2010).This is a brilliant idea for initiating life long learning and encouraging students to become the “social scientists” necessary for state, national, and global awareness.
Our newly formed high school has planned integrated curriculum across the content areas, and have organized teams to address the needs of the whole child. This plan is in its initial stages, and it is a fluid process that will be manipulated and guided throughout the process over a period of several years. We are fortunate to have forward thinking administrators leading the way. They must have copies of this book!
Another good idea she described was to combine health and physical education into one curriculum. Pasco Count schools in Florida are doing just that, but they have taken it a step further with online P.E. classes. Some part of the curriculum does involve a computer monitor, because it is instruction about health and wellness topics, nutrition information and education about drugs and alcohol. Students have to submit a log of their physical activity verified by an adult, such as a coach, YMCA trainer, or their parent. The feedback has been positive with most reporting more physical activity than students in a traditional physical education class. This virtual school has been in operation since the 1990’s, and in 2009 Florida required all districts to provide online course options. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education said, “Online physical education in neither inherently good or bad.” What do you think?
Retrieved from: rblair@tampatrib.com
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Blog # 2 - Curriculum
Dear Colleagues,
Curriculum planning has been part of my school life since around 1999. We had our first curriculum coordinator who gave good directions and inspired everyone in the art of curriculum writing for our district. Although I had experience with curriculum writing from college, the basic template for our district curriculum writing was somewhat different than early college curriculum writing.
We worked on everyone's curriculum, with all teachers assigned to different curriculum committees.I was assigned to the social studies curriculum committee. Last year I wrote a basic 8th grade health curriculum for nutrition, and at this time I am working on a 9th grade social studies curriculum.
Any assistance in the area of curriculum writing would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Jo Ann G. Weatherbee
Curriculum planning has been part of my school life since around 1999. We had our first curriculum coordinator who gave good directions and inspired everyone in the art of curriculum writing for our district. Although I had experience with curriculum writing from college, the basic template for our district curriculum writing was somewhat different than early college curriculum writing.
We worked on everyone's curriculum, with all teachers assigned to different curriculum committees.I was assigned to the social studies curriculum committee. Last year I wrote a basic 8th grade health curriculum for nutrition, and at this time I am working on a 9th grade social studies curriculum.
Any assistance in the area of curriculum writing would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Jo Ann G. Weatherbee
Monday, June 20, 2011
Blog # 3: Schools To Study
Blog # 3: Schools To Study - Jo Ann G. Weatherbee
by Jo Ann G Weatherbee - Sunday, June 19, 2011, 08:04 PM
1. The first school I reviewed was Prep North Central, an exemplary, integrated project based school that does not except excuses; all are responsible for their actions and their success, although every day is a new day. They have an extended day, 7:30AM-4:30PM, positive culture, strict discipline, a contract for success,parental involvement with home visits conducted, and teachers who genuinely care about the success of their students.
2. The next school was in New york, Comprehensive Assessment Drives Long Term Success, School of the Future. Philosophy is what you assess is what you teach with real world thinking and students learning the discipline of thinking. The "right answer is not the point here", applying the skill to a problem is the focus, e.g.slope formula application:"Does the stairs in the school comply with the state building codes?"They make connections to real life and see their progress which empowers them to succeed. The work is collaborative with real data and real assessment and students and teachers feel valued and appreciated.
3. Knowledge Is Power Program - KIPP: There are five pillars for success in this school, High Expectations, Choice and Commitment, More Time, Power To Lead, and Focus On Results. High Expectations. KIPP schools have clearly defined and measurable high expectations for academic achievement and conduct that make no excuses based on the students' backgrounds. Students, parents, teachers, and staff create and reinforce a culture of achievement and support through a range of formal and informal rewards and consequences for academic performance and behavior.
Choice & Commitment. Students, their parents, and the faculty of each KIPP school choose to participate in the program. No one is assigned or forced to attend a KIPP school. Everyone must make and uphold a commitment to the school and to each other to put in the time and effort required to achieve success.More Time. KIPP schools know that there are no shortcuts when it comes to success in academics and life. With an extended school day, week, and year, students have more time in the classroom to acquire the academic knowledge and skills that will prepare them for competitive high schools and colleges, as well as more opportunities to engage in diverse extracurricular experiences.
Power to Lead. The principals of KIPP schools are effective academic and organizational leaders who understand that great schools require great school leaders. They have control over their school budget and personnel. They are free to swiftly move dollars or make staffing changes, allowing them maximum effectiveness in helping students learn.
Focus on Results. KIPP schools relentlessly focus on high student performance on standardized tests and other objective measures. Just as there are no shortcuts, there are no excuses. Students are expected to achieve a level of academic performance that will enable them to succeed at the nation's best high schools and colleges.
4.Minnesota New Country School: This school also has high expectations for their students, highly personalized, caring, with respect and responsibility expected and modeled. They have a self-directed, project-based learning primary focus; driven by constructivist pedagogy (Adults explain; Students explain); a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) for all students emphasizing
student needs and interests; a Personalized work space for each student; Internet access;Technology infused environment; technology as a tool;Individual/group projects complemented by multiple teaching approaches based on student needs and interests;Achievement demonstrated publicly; highest work place standards are quality goal;All students prepared for post-secondary education, workplace and active citizenship ;All students and staff engage in quiet reading every day.
Commonalities Between The Schools=
a. Caring, respectful, responsible environments
b. Project based learning
c. Authentic assessment
d. Self-directed learning - adults explain, students explain = collaboration
e. Parental involvement
f. Time for success with an extended school day
g. Technology infused
h. Positive and strict discipline
i. Highly successful with most students attending college
by Jo Ann G Weatherbee - Sunday, June 19, 2011, 08:04 PM
1. The first school I reviewed was Prep North Central, an exemplary, integrated project based school that does not except excuses; all are responsible for their actions and their success, although every day is a new day. They have an extended day, 7:30AM-4:30PM, positive culture, strict discipline, a contract for success,parental involvement with home visits conducted, and teachers who genuinely care about the success of their students.
2. The next school was in New york, Comprehensive Assessment Drives Long Term Success, School of the Future. Philosophy is what you assess is what you teach with real world thinking and students learning the discipline of thinking. The "right answer is not the point here", applying the skill to a problem is the focus, e.g.slope formula application:"Does the stairs in the school comply with the state building codes?"They make connections to real life and see their progress which empowers them to succeed. The work is collaborative with real data and real assessment and students and teachers feel valued and appreciated.
3. Knowledge Is Power Program - KIPP: There are five pillars for success in this school, High Expectations, Choice and Commitment, More Time, Power To Lead, and Focus On Results. High Expectations. KIPP schools have clearly defined and measurable high expectations for academic achievement and conduct that make no excuses based on the students' backgrounds. Students, parents, teachers, and staff create and reinforce a culture of achievement and support through a range of formal and informal rewards and consequences for academic performance and behavior.
Choice & Commitment. Students, their parents, and the faculty of each KIPP school choose to participate in the program. No one is assigned or forced to attend a KIPP school. Everyone must make and uphold a commitment to the school and to each other to put in the time and effort required to achieve success.More Time. KIPP schools know that there are no shortcuts when it comes to success in academics and life. With an extended school day, week, and year, students have more time in the classroom to acquire the academic knowledge and skills that will prepare them for competitive high schools and colleges, as well as more opportunities to engage in diverse extracurricular experiences.
Power to Lead. The principals of KIPP schools are effective academic and organizational leaders who understand that great schools require great school leaders. They have control over their school budget and personnel. They are free to swiftly move dollars or make staffing changes, allowing them maximum effectiveness in helping students learn.
Focus on Results. KIPP schools relentlessly focus on high student performance on standardized tests and other objective measures. Just as there are no shortcuts, there are no excuses. Students are expected to achieve a level of academic performance that will enable them to succeed at the nation's best high schools and colleges.
4.Minnesota New Country School: This school also has high expectations for their students, highly personalized, caring, with respect and responsibility expected and modeled. They have a self-directed, project-based learning primary focus; driven by constructivist pedagogy (Adults explain; Students explain); a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) for all students emphasizing
student needs and interests; a Personalized work space for each student; Internet access;Technology infused environment; technology as a tool;Individual/group projects complemented by multiple teaching approaches based on student needs and interests;Achievement demonstrated publicly; highest work place standards are quality goal;All students prepared for post-secondary education, workplace and active citizenship ;All students and staff engage in quiet reading every day.
Commonalities Between The Schools=
a. Caring, respectful, responsible environments
b. Project based learning
c. Authentic assessment
d. Self-directed learning - adults explain, students explain = collaboration
e. Parental involvement
f. Time for success with an extended school day
g. Technology infused
h. Positive and strict discipline
i. Highly successful with most students attending college
Introductions - Jo Ann G. Weatherbee
Dear Colleagues,
Recently, my position has been changed to Oceanside H.S. West as one of two 9th grade Modern World History teachers. Currently, I am enrolled in a social studies master's program,and this class is one of the recommended courses. It seems I will learn more technology than anticipated, although I look forward to the challenges and opportunities described in the assignment list.
The required textbooks have not arrived from amazon,and I leave for Florida June 23-30. Obviously, I will remain in contact online completing all assignments as requested with a little help from all of you. It was difficult to navigate Moodle, and now where do I sign up for Skype and gmail?
Thank you for your assistance, and most of all your patience!
Sincerely yours,
Jo Ann G. Weatherbee
Recently, my position has been changed to Oceanside H.S. West as one of two 9th grade Modern World History teachers. Currently, I am enrolled in a social studies master's program,and this class is one of the recommended courses. It seems I will learn more technology than anticipated, although I look forward to the challenges and opportunities described in the assignment list.
The required textbooks have not arrived from amazon,and I leave for Florida June 23-30. Obviously, I will remain in contact online completing all assignments as requested with a little help from all of you. It was difficult to navigate Moodle, and now where do I sign up for Skype and gmail?
Thank you for your assistance, and most of all your patience!
Sincerely yours,
Jo Ann G. Weatherbee
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