1. Middle School Social Studies September 19, 2007 Department Meeting

2. Moving From Good To Great… We do very well in a state with very high standards Well, maybe not very high, but at least we’re not from South Carolina.

3. Teamwork and Relationship Building “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” - Andrew Carnegie

4. What is a Professional Learning Community?

5. Professional Learning Community A PLC is composed of collaborative teams whose members work interdependently to achieve common goals linked to the purpose of learning for all. P.3 Learning by Doing

6. Key Components of a PLC Focus on Learning Collaborative Culture – “OUR kids” Critical Questions Collective Inquiry/Action – best practices Results Orientation – data analysis, goal setting

7. WHAT DO WE WANT STUDENTS TO KNOW? HOW WILL WE KNOW THEY HAVE LEARNED IT? WHAT WILL WE DO WHEN THEY HAVEN’T LEARNED IT? HOW WILL WE EXTEND AND ENRICH FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO HAVE LEARNED IT?

8. Building On Past Success Think, Pair, Share 1. How is the PLC concept described similar to what we currently do in our buildings and in the social studies department? 2. How is the PLC concept described different from what we currently do in our buildings and in the social studies department?

9. What is the relationship between department work and building level work? Both levels Focused on 4 essential questions Work toward department, building, district goals Department work Determine essential knowledge and skills for all kids (curriculum) Use data to determine program strengths and weaknesses Set the direction for PLC work Support development of formative and summative assessments Building PLC Work The nitty-gritty work Share lessons, units, assessments Use data to determine student learning and instructional strengths and weaknesses Develop and implement strategies to achieve goals

10. What does this mean for me? How might the PLC process positively impact your students or you as a teacher? What concerns do you have as we move forward?

11. MS Social Studies Goals for June 2008 Developed by MS SS Leadership Team Establish norms as a department Set SMART goals around 8 th grade exam Establish common understanding of essential skills and content for grade 6/7/8 (focus on outcomes, gaps, transitions)

12. Norm Setting: Why? Every group has norms that govern individual behavior and impact how the group operates These norms don’t always facilitate the work of the group and help the group accomplish tasks By setting our norms early we can establish norms that – Ensure all individuals have the opportunity to contribute; – Increase productivity and effectiveness; and – Facilitate the achievement of group goals.

13. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

14. Ticket Out The Door 1 thought/idea you will take with you from this meeting 1 Question or concern 1 Thing that you would like or need from the lead teachers or administrators