Sixth Grade Homeroom Welcome to Back-to-School Night Guidelines and Curriculum for

Bertha Kaumbulu, Ph.D I began my teaching career in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa. I lived and worked in Kenya from 1971 to 1991.I began teaching at St Jerome in I was an adjunct professor at Dominican University and taught Education and Culture in the CLAD program. As a teacher consultant for KQED Channel 9TV I participated in the Emmy award winning Be A Teacher public service announcement. Recently, I was as a member of the diocesan technology committee. Throughout my teaching career, I have conducted workshops in technology integration at various university sites. I received my B.A. in Sociology. I have a M.Ed in Integrated Studies, and a Ph.D in Education specializing in Educational Technology. I have a California CLAD teaching credential. I enjoy reading theories of technology and cognitive development, as well as teacher beliefs and their participatory practices when using digital tools. In my spare time, I like to ride my bicycle and play tennis with my grandchildren.

COMMON CORE STANDARDS 21 st century Project-based and Inquiry-based learning includes the 4 Cs: Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration STUDENTS LEARN: Critical thinking and problem solving (religion, math, science, social studies and and critical literature) Communication and collaboration (students recognize how to learn in various situated environments Creativity and innovation (projects and problem solving) Apply an understanding of the ethical/legal issues surround the access and use of digital information Use digital information accurately Use digital tools responsibility Develop flexibility in working with others

Curriculum (based on Common Core and Diocese of Oakland Curriculum Standards) Religion Language Arts Social studies

RELIGION Students study scripture Students study moral values and how to make choices that are based on Catholic values Objectives are met through Class discussion, written assignments and journaling which includes personal reflections and prayer, Plan and Participate in two Liturgies Stations of the Cross during Lent Altar Servers

Catholic identify and religion are integrated in all subjects. Emphasis is on Global Awareness and Social justice Tolerance Respect Moral decision making

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS Common Core Standards California Treasures Literature: Selected Readings

MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES NOTETAKING AND VOCABULARY DISCUSSIONS: PROJECTS DOCUMENT STUDY: Primary and Secondary Sources RESEARCH PAPERS: QUIZZES (multiple choice-short essay based on reading): TESTS (short answer essay, map, graphs and document interpretation): (see packet) Focus is on Common Core ELA Standards

Assessment and Grades Common Core Standards RUBRICS A (4): perfection/exceeds standard in content/skill B (3) : solid content/skill acquisition C (2) : meets content/skill standard D (1): below content/skill standard F : does not come close to meeting content/skill Formative Assessment 20% Summative Assessment 80% Diocesan Grade Scale (see packet)

HOMEWORK Daily - except Friday Short term and long term projects Homework is not graded but is accountable

ABSENCES MAKE UP WORK IS ALLOWED AND IS EVALUATED ACCORDING TO CIRCUMSTANCES WRITE NOTE ON DAY OF RETURN

ROOM PARENTS /FIELD TRIPS Chaperones and Parent volunteers – Shield the Vulnerable

Students expected to: Listen Follow instructions Respect and get along with each other Develop sociability Problem solve and initiate solutions in order to develop responsibility Become organized in order to be able to learn and complete assignments Assessment of these skills appears in the final grade at the end of each trimester

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