2. What is Soundings?

3. SOUNDINGS Definition #1 To explore or measure the depth/height Definition #2 To make an intentional noise, so as to be heard

4. Soundings Origin Story Created by Mark Springer in 1998  One of the creators of the Watershed Program Prior to Watershed  Mr. Springer was the teacher of the Gifted at RMS.  Students conducted research and presentations on topics of their own choice.  Students had more ownership over their own work.  High level of student engagement laid the groundwork for Soundings, which would open this form of learning to ALL students.

5. Soundings Specifics & Myths

6. Soundings Specific #1 Students must elect to participate in the Soundings program with parent/guardian permission.  Lottery System- choice  Soundings Website Soundings Website

7. Soundings Myth #1 Soundings kids NEVER see their friends.  Math  Electives  Lunch  Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Distaffs, Chorus, the Musical  Sandy Hill  Dorney Park  Fall, Winter and Spring Sports and/or Clubs

8. Traditional Team  Advisory  Pd 1: Core Class  Pd 2: Core Class  Pd 3: Core Class  Pd 4: LUNCH  Pd 5: Core Class  Pd 6: Encore  Pd 7: Encore  SOS Soundings  Advisory  Pd 1: Math  Pd 2: Soundings  Pd 3: Soundings  Pd 4: LUNCH  Pd 5: Soundings  Pd 6: Encore  Pd 7: Encore  SOS 8 th Grade Schedule: 2015-2016

9. Soundings Specific #2 Soundings is a democratic classroom based on curriculum integration.

10. Democratic Classroom Consensus  Decisions are made when everyone reaches an agreement. Community Building Challenge Activities Affirmations Class Picture

11. Curriculum Integration Units of Study are…  significant to students  integrate traditional core subjects English Social Studies Science

12. Soundings Specific #3 Soundings students… create their own units of study/curriculum. develop their own projects and presentations.

13. Units of Study In building a Unit of Study, students…  write questions about topics that interest them individually  analyze questions and develop possible themes as a group  incorporate Radnor and PA Common Core Standards

14. Soundings XVI Unit(s) Overarching Theme – Society Unit 1 – Nature Unit 2 – Culture

15. Soundings Units 2015-2016 Unit 1: Nature  How has the relationship between Nature and Society changed over time? Topics o Suicide o Endangered & Extinct Animals o Marine Biology o Recently Discovered Species o Hunting o The Great Depression o Drugs and Medicine o Natural Disasters o Dreams o Mental Illnesses

16. Soundings Units 2015-2016 Unit 2: Culture  How has the relationship between Culture and Society changed over time? Topics  The Olympics  Ancient Civilizations  Social Media  Japanese Culture  Disney Movies  Reality TV Competition Shows  Music  Gun Violence and School Shootings  Apple Computers  Superstitions

17. Soundings Myth #2 Since Soundings kids do not earn grades, they do no work.

18. Soundings Work Log Book  Daily Log Questions  Quote Responses Reading Journal  Book Goals/Validations Coffeehouses

19. Soundings Work Current Events Lab Experiments and Reports Focus Papers Improving quality of work – “Rewrites” Student-Led Conferences Unit Study Research and Presentations Individual Research Projects

20. Soundings Specific #4 Soundings students are assessed via rubric  Rubric  Narratives that have specific criteria  Feedback is detailed and personal  Soundings Website Soundings Website

21. Soundings Assessments Examples of student work assessed via rubric  Log Books  Reading Journals  Current Events  Lab Reports  Focus Papers  Projects/Presentations  Self Assessments

22. Soundings Myth #3 Soundings students have “no structure” and they can do “whatever they want.”

23. Soundings Structure Daily Schedule  Log Question Discussions  Class Log  Independent and/or Group Work Time Weekly Quote Responses/Discussions

24. Soundings Structure Bi-weekly Current Events and Self Assessments Monthly Log Book and Reading Journal checks Individual Research Project checks

25. Soundings Myth #4 If you are in Soundings, you will not be prepared for high school.

26. Soundings G.P.A. Rest of 9 th Grade G.P.A. 2005 – 2006*3.45 2010 – 20113.50 2011 – 2012 3.51 2012 – 20133.42 2013 – 20143.66 2014 – 20153.71 2005 – 2006* 3.25 2010 – 20113.07 2011 – 20123.29 2012 – 20133.37 2013 – 20143.47 2014 – 20153.59 Soundings at Radnor High School

27. RHS Course Recommendations Soundings GroupIntegratedHonorsTOTAL XVI 39 students 13 26 XV 39 students 81725 XIV 39 students 15823 XIII 39 students 111324 XII 39 students 101424 XI 40 students 101424

28. Soundings is… A classroom where students… make their own decisions. develop self-discipline and independence. improve time management and organization. focus on the quality of their work. connect their learning to the world around them.

29. Soundings is… A classroom where students… challenge themselves to step out of their “comfort zone” and try something new. learn how to learn! become a “family”. have FUN!