Medway Middle School 2019-2020 Program of Studies Proposed Updates - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Medway Middle School 2019-2020 Program of Studies Proposed Updates

Craig Juelis, Principal School Committee Presentation February 7, 2019

Program of Studies’ Focus Areas

• Reflects changes in DESE

Standards

• Implementation of Curriculum

Review Findings and revisions in curricular programs

Shift in Learning within History/Social Sciences

Grade 8

Based on New 2018 Massachusetts History/Social Sciences Frameworks Proposed 8th Grade Civics Course - “Civics in Action”

• Foundation of our political system and

government (historically through modern times)

• Election process
• Impact and influence of media on

government

• Federal, State, and local forms of

government

• Civic Engagement Project

Shift in Learning within History/Social Sciences

Grades 6-7

Based on New 2018 Massachusetts History/Social Sciences Frameworks Two year storyline of learning in grades 6 and 7

• Combination of World History and Geography

○ How complex societies were formed and expanded through trade, technology, and the spread of ideas and culture ○ Development of trade and economics ○ Impact of trade and technology on political systems, economic development, religious and cultural beliefs ○ Origins of democratic, republican forms of government.

• Phased in implementation with full a

implementation planned during the 2020-2021 school year

Argumentative Writing and Primary Source Enhancement Work

• Adoption of Document Based Question

(DBQ) Project as a framework for writing and primary source exploration

• DBQ Project:

○ Provides reviewed primary, secondary, multi-modal sources to help students develop their responses ○ Responses supported/defended using evidence and explanation ○ Connection to 21st Century Learning Skills

• Will create aligned approach to writing

between Medway Middle School and Medway High School throughout English/Language Arts and History/Social Sciences

• Connects with focus on student inquiry

Exploration / Adoption of New Core (commercial) Mathematics Resource

Grade 5 and Grades 6-8

Recommendations of 2017-2018 PK-12 Mathematics Curriculum Review Process

• Identification of Aligned Resource

○ Grades 6-8 piloting 2 resources for remainder of this year ○ Grade 5 part of the PK-5 resource exploration - pilot resources to be determined ○ Based on pilots, recommendation for full year pilots or adoption for the 2019-2020 school year will be made

• Delineate different scope and sequence for

“accelerated” and “grade level” classes. ○ Student, teacher, parent input ○ Clear expectations, criteria, and decision making process for leveled classes.

Mathematics Course Leveling Shifts

Proposed Changes for Grades 7 and 8

• Current “Grade Level” and “Accelerated

levels are the same course

• Proposed “Accelerated” Math

○ 7th grade (starting in 2019-2020) will address 7th Grade Standards and half of 8th Grade Standards ○ 8th grade (starting in 2020-2021) will address remaining 8th grade standards and 9th Grade Standards ○ students the opportunity to accelerate their math coursework entering high school

• “Grade Level” Math

○ Grade 7 Standards or Grade 8 Standards

• “Grade Level” Math still provides a pathway

to HS Calculus and Statistics

Mathematics Course Leveling Shifts:

Grades 7 and 8

Accelerated Learner Characteristics

• Grasps concepts quickly; self directed
• Demonstrates fluidity with difficult math

skills and concepts

• Attempts and motivated by challenge
• Solves problems in creative, resourceful,
• r efficient ways demonstrating

analytical, symbolic and/or abstract reasoning

• Tackles multi-step problems in a focused,

and exploratory way

• Readily applies concepts to new contexts;

makes connections between concepts and real-world examples

• Thirsts for greater knowledge and/or

depth, and pursues it independently

• Asks questions that push learning beyond

comprehension

Mathematics Course Leveling Shifts:

Grade 7 and 8

Selection Criteria and Process

• Performance and behavioral criteria to

provide a well rounded picture of student

• Students will not be “locked” into either

pathway

• Placement decisions will occur at end of

each grade level

• Students can gain entry by meeting

specified criteria and/or by completing summer work on the content not covered in previous grade level class

• Student placement will be monitored

during the first trimester leading up to progress reports; possible change in level if not appropriately placed

Criteria to be Finalized for Leveling Recommendations

While criteria is being finalized for recommendation decisions, the following will be considered for student placement*:

• MCAS Performance
• Class Performance
• iReady Data
• Characteristics of a Learner

*Year 1 criteria will be assessed for future implementation

Mathematics Course Leveling Shifts:

Grades 7 and 8

Parent and Student Input

• If placement decision based on criteria

is not in line with parent and/or student aspirations, an “override” can be requested

• Override process

○ consultation between Curriculum and Instruction Leader and/or building administrator and parent/student ○ Examination of student performance information and student work ○ Student Input ○ Input from previous year’s teacher

• Overrides granted on a case by case

basis

Questions?