Social Studies 2015 – 2016 Middle School

 Why are you working in education? Essential Question

 Education is the best strategy for improving society.  The health of our democracy is linked to the health of our education.  So kids will be prepared to make their way in the world.  The Chinese sent me over here because they are tired of making everything. Why are you working in education?

 Bus duty  Angry parents  Angry kids  Grading papers  Lack of respect  Pay checks are …. insulting  Legislators can be … insulting Why do we ask ourselves, “Is teaching really for me?”

Goals By 2020, 90 percent of third-grade students will read on or above grade level. By 2018, our graduation rate will be 90 percent. By 2018, we will close the achievement gap between subgroups by 10 percentage points while increasing the performance of all subgroups.

How We Teach Effective lessons share a core structure: 1.State clear objectives 2.Explore, model, and demonstrate 3.Provide guided practice 4.Check for understanding throughout lesson/formative assessment

Clear Learning Objectives Developed from the standards Designed to create interest in topic, develop background knowledge, and teach vocabulary Stated in student-friendly language (e.g., essential question or “I can” statement)

Explore, Model, and Demonstrate Provide opportunities for students to explore, investigate, and navigate using a variety of media Model concepts in small chunks Demonstrate using higher-order think-alouds

Guided Practice Distributed throughout lesson Facilitated in whole group, small groups, pairs, and individually Monitored carefully

Checks for Understanding/Formative Assessment Uses a variety of methods to see if students understand concepts Provides constructive feedback Adjusts instruction to address student needs Provides opportunities for students to read and write in all content areas to summarize learning

Critical Components of Effective Lesson Plans 1.State clear objectives 2.Explore, model, and demonstrate 3.Provide guided practice 4.Check for understanding throughout lesson/formative assessment

Goals By 2020, 90 percent of third-grade students will read on or above grade level. By 2018, our graduation rate will be 90 percent. By 2018, we will close the achievement gap between subgroups by 10 percentage points while increasing the performance of all subgroups.

Why did I go into education?