Middle School Curriculum Integrated and Exploratory

Overview What is integrated curriculum Roles of teachers, students and faculty Exploration curriculum and Programs

Interdisciplinary/ Multidisciplinary Integrative Integrated Interdisciplinary/ Multidisciplinary Team Self-Contained

Rational Application vs. Memorization Patterns and Connections Coherence over Fragmentation Right Answer vs. Finding the Solution

Components of Integrated Curriculum Central Problems or issue is Identified Issue is of personal significance Issue becomes central focus of curriculum Students acquire the ability to solve the problem or issue.

Intersection of Personal Concerns Adolescent Concerns Curriculum Themes Social Concerns Developing an Identity Identities Cultural Diversity Personal Fitness Wellness Environmental Protection Peer Conflict, Gangs Conflict Resolution Global Conflict Personal Friendships Caring Social Welfare

Roles, Resources and Rubrics

Roles of the Teacher Demonstrate an Understanding of Adolescents Concerns Setting the Stage and Environment Structuring and Guiding the Explorations

Roles of the Learner Involved in curriculum Assume some responsibility for learning Active participants in both process and products of learning

Resources Library Partnership Technology

Learning Materials General Specific

Student Demonstrated Knowledge Assessment Student Demonstrated Knowledge Real World Scenario/ Demonstration Projects Authentic Assessment

Other Perspectives Scores on Standardized Tests Focus on subject matter Time in Planning Need for Administration Support Community Involvement

Exploratory Curriculum

Exploratory Curriculum/ Programs Definition A Class Designed to Help Students Explore Their Interests Mini-course Length of Classes Semester 6-8 weeks

Reasons for a Exploratory Curriculum Provides Opportunity for Students Appeals to Diverse Learners Self Discovery

Teachers’ Roles Pique Students Interest in a Topic Guide the Students Be a Resource Monitor Progress and Participation

Topics for Mini-Course Home Economics Foods for Independent living Personal Finance Arts Ceramics Photography Language Industrial Technology Shop Class Horticulture

Essentials for Exploratory Developmentally Responsive Enhances Motivation Interesting and Useful Provide Opportunity to Learn about Specific Topics Reflect Core Curriculum

Considerations for Developing Curriculum Be Unique Reflect Developmental Responsive Perspectives Be Relevant to Learners to learners Experiences

Considerations for Developing Curriculum Adopt Student-Centered Perspective Achieve a Balance Between Cognitive and Affective Provide for Cultural and Gender Diversity Reflect the Relationship Between Learner’s Image of Success and School Curriculum