MS Curr Changes 09 10
- 1. Middle Level Curriculum Changes for 2009-2010 Michael DeStio Andrew Greene Kirk Strong Jeff Morris Love Foy Francesco Fratto
- 2. Research Drives Decision making in Half Hollow Hills District House Model
- 3. Recent Changes Addition of Chinese Grade 6 Foundations in Spanish 7 Law Seminar Grade 8 Seminar for Math Seven ELA Elective Grade 8 Literacy Classes Grades 7 and 8 Added Technology Achievement Gap Laptop Pilot program
- 4. Program Enhancements Modifications of ELA Elective in Grade 8 Creation of Chinese program Grade 7 New Social Studies Online Resources for Grades 7 and 8 Stronger alignment of Middle level to High School Honors and Regents Track Programs (Vertical Teaming)
- 5. Program Enhancements Creation of Mastery Level Classes in ELA, LOTE and Social Studies
- 6. What is Mastery Level? Mastery Level classes blend both Honors and Regular classes in a heterogeneous setting Mastery Level classes provide opportunities for ALL students to achieve success as defined by the NYSED Mastery Level sets a curriculum standard where ALL students have opportunities to become HONORS high school students The creation of Mastery Level Classes does NOT impact Honors Earth Science, Mathematics and Studio in Art
- 7. Supportive Research Robert Marzano – Leveled Questions Grant Wiggins Six Facets OF Understanding A-M-T
- 8. What is the Educational Research / Rationale that drives this decision? Honor recommendations are made too early and they are often not accurate Many of the best schools on Long Island do not have tracking in ELA, SS, or LOTE All students should be exposed to classes that have high expectations and quality work assigned Schools that have been recognized as EE/STW do not have tracking…that is a key ingredient of the evaluation process
- 9. What is the Educational Research / Rationale that drives this decision? There are better peer relations in heterogeneous classes as well differing points of view which enhances the skills of all students There is no accepted designation on the high school transcript for ‘honors’ in 8th grade Students will still be challenged in a Mastery Level class due to differentiated instructional and grading strategies Students will be better evaluated for 9H based on tiered assignments
- 10. Coordinators and Directors Comments Dr. Morris, Director of Social Studies Ms. Foy, Coordinator of ELA Mr. Fratto, Coordinator of LOTE
- 11. Middle Level Curriculum Changes Questions / Comments