In Search of Standards-aligned Instruction Update on S.E.C. in Delaware Mike Stetter Director of Curriculum Delaware Department of Education September 11, 2007

DE-S.E.C. Start up Plan Phase I ( )  DDOE core team training  Initial Coding effort- Math, ELA  Pilot study- Middle Schools (Spring 06)

What did the SEC Middle School Pilot Reveal about Math? Mathematics 2006 Highlights  Alignment Index across schools in study  Over-emphasis on memorization  Under-emphasis on Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics  Opportunities to integrate technology as described in standards not fully used

What did the SEC Middle School Pilot Reveal about ELA? Reading 2006 Highlights  Alignment Index across schools in study  Repetitive content focus across grades  Over-emphasis on vocabulary  Higher level of cognitive demand needed  Suggested check on Grade Level Expectations (GLE’s)

Data spurs action  Development of Five-year differentiated Professional Development Plan for state’s mathematics teachers and specialists  English Language Arts focus on critical reading skills and writing across the curriculum

SEC Project Lessons Learned  Timing of SEC Teacher Survey and 301  Project Communications are key  Written agreements with schools  Plan on technology glitches  Build local capacity to use SEC data

DE-S.E.C. Phase II ( )  Coding SEC Science  Participate in SEC/Social Studies survey design and field testing  High School Study  SEC required for MSP

2007 Delaware HS/MS SEC Study  School districts eye Regulation 502  Principals’ briefing and written agreements  Flexibility in SEC scheduling and 301  Training for district SEC facilitators  Participation: 13 High Schools (42% of schools) 7 Middle Schools (22% of schools)* * Total MS(2006,2007)=14 (44% of schools)

High School Trends

Middle School Trends -Is Recoding needed?

Phase III ( ) Planned Activities  Reg. 502 Local Curriculum Alignment  Decision on Grade 7/8 Reading Recoding- Compare 2006 and 2007 MS results  Schedule SEC Science /SEC Social Studies study-use existing local facilitators

Phase III ( ) Planned Activities  Development of SEC analysis workbook with Learning Point Associates, CCSSO and Mid-Atlantic Comprehensive Center (MACC)  Review MSP SEC results  Incorporate SEC into technical assistance to underperforming schools

Contact Information Mike Stetter