Medway Middle School 2019-2020 Program of Studies Proposed Updates Craig Juelis, Principal School Committee Presentation February 7, 2019
Program of Reflects changes in DESE ● Standards Studies’ Focus Areas ● Implementation of Curriculum Review Findings and revisions in curricular programs
Shift in Learning Based on New 2018 Massachusetts History/Social Sciences Frameworks within History/Social Proposed 8th Grade Civics Course - “Civics in Sciences Action” ● Foundation of our political system and government (historically through modern times) Grade 8 ● Election process ● Impact and influence of media on government ● Federal, State, and local forms of government ● Civic Engagement Project
Shift in Learning Based on New 2018 Massachusetts History/Social Sciences Frameworks within History/Social Two year storyline of learning in grades 6 and 7 Sciences Combination of World History and Geography ● ○ How complex societies were formed and expanded through trade, technology, and the spread of ideas and culture Grades 6-7 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 ● Adoption of Document Based Question (DBQ) Project as a framework for writing and Writing and primary source exploration ● DBQ Project: Primary Source ○ Provides reviewed primary, secondary, multi-modal sources to help students develop Enhancement Work 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
Recommendations of 2017-2018 PK-12 Exploration / Mathematics Curriculum Review Process Adoption of New ● Identification of Aligned Resource ○ Grades 6-8 piloting 2 resources for Core (commercial) remainder of this year ○ Grade 5 part of the PK-5 resource Mathematics exploration - pilot resources to be determined Resource ○ 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 Grade 5 and Grades 6-8 “accelerated” and “grade level” classes. ○ Student, teacher, parent input ○ Clear expectations, criteria, and decision making process for leveled classes.
Mathematics Course ● Current “Grade Level” and “Accelerated levels are the same course Leveling Shifts ● Proposed “Accelerated” Math ○ 7th grade (starting in 2019-2020) will address 7th Grade Standards and half of 8th Grade Standards Proposed Changes for 8th grade (starting in 2020-2021) will address ○ Grades 7 and 8 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 ● Grasps concepts quickly; self directed ● Demonstrates fluidity with difficult math Leveling Shifts: skills and concepts ● Attempts and motivated by challenge ● Solves problems in creative, resourceful, or efficient ways demonstrating Grades 7 and 8 analytical, symbolic and/or abstract reasoning ● Tackles multi-step problems in a focused, Accelerated Learner and exploratory way ● Readily applies concepts to new contexts; Characteristics 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 ● Performance and behavioral criteria to provide a well rounded picture of student Leveling Shifts: ● Students will not be “locked” into either pathway ● Placement decisions will occur at end of each grade level Grade 7 and 8 ● Students can gain entry by meeting specified criteria and/or by completing summer work on the content not covered Selection Criteria and in previous grade level class ● Student placement will be monitored Process during the first trimester leading up to progress reports; possible change in level if not appropriately placed
Criteria to be While criteria is being finalized for recommendation decisions, Finalized for the following will be considered Leveling for student placement*: Recommendations MCAS Performance ● ● Class Performance ● iReady Data Characteristics of a Learner ● *Year 1 criteria will be assessed for future implementation
● If placement decision based on criteria Mathematics Course is not in line with parent and/or student aspirations, an “override” can be Leveling Shifts: requested ● Override process ○ consultation between Curriculum Grades 7 and 8 and Instruction Leader and/or building administrator and parent/student Parent and Student ○ Examination of student performance information and Input student work ○ Student Input ○ Input from previous year’s teacher ● Overrides granted on a case by case basis
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