1. ELEMENTARY SCIENCE LIAISONS ICAD 5: Instructional Focus Calendar (February 22 – February 25, 2016)
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards For Science
with Integration of
English Language Arts Literacy and
Mathematics Common Core State Standards
Millard Lightburn, Ph.D.
Supervisor
Mary Tweedy, Noreyda Casanas, Yusimi Perez,
Curriculum Support Specialists
Department of Mathematics and Science
Office of Academics and Transformation

2. What is an Instructional Focus Calendar (IFC)
The Instructional Focus Calendar does not replace the core curriculum. It is created to place the instructional focus on the tested benchmarks, while answering the following questions.
What do students need to know?
What do I need to teach them?
How much time do I need to do it?
Department of Science

3. IFC and Pacing Guides
What is the difference between a Pacing Guide and Instructional Focus Calendar?
The pacing guide ensures that the core curriculum is covered, while the instructional focus calendar places a priority on tested benchmarks.
Department of Science

4. What is the Origin of IFC?
Instructional Focus Calendar is one component of FCIM (Florida’s Continuous Improvement Model)
The FCIM treats students individually by assessing how much they are learning at regular intervals.
Students who have achieved mastery level receive enrichment to challenge them further.
Others receive remediation to improve their skills to accepted standards.
Department of Science

5. Florida Continuous Improvement Model
Department of Mathematics and Science

6. 3. Direct the Instructional Focus
FCIM - 8 Step Process
1. Data Disaggregation
2. Timeline Development
3. Direct the Instructional Focus
4. Ongoing Assessment 5.
Tutorials
6. Enrichment
7. Maintenance
8. Monitoring

7. Action Plan
Develop an action Plan to support Grade 5 Science based on Winter IA results:
1. List strongest benchmarks (50%+)
2. List weakest benchmarks (<50%)
3. Identify number of students: Satisfactory (53+),
Limited (48-52) (Bubble) and Insufficient Progress
4. How will you group your students for intervention
and enrichment?
Develop an Instructional Focus Calendar (IFC) to
time to address all deficient benchmarks.
Department of Mathematics and Science

8. Sample IFC
Department of Science

9. References Instructional Focus Calendar FAQ - Lake County Schools
Florida Department of Education – Focus Website:
Florida Department of Education - Bureau of School Improvement Website:
Closing the Achievement Gap: No Excuses by P. Davenport and G. Anderson – APQC link
Department of Science