BILINGUAL DEPARTMENT CURRICULUM FOR NAVARRE MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDIVIDUAL PROBLEM OF PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR EDUCATION A500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY

Carmen E. Macharaschwili

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 20, 2000


Problem Statement:  Navarre Middle School does not have an ESL Curriculum for the seventh and eighth grade bilingual program.

Report of Activities:

I began my research by meeting with the bilingual department at Navarre to record and discuss previous curriculums. We compared past bilingual class practices with curriculum of regular education teachers. 

My Research & Frames of Reference consisted of reading the curriculum guides from the South Bend Community School Corporation, and my previous employer, the River Trails School District.  I also read the TESOL book of ESL standards, and the CALLA handbook as a guide on structuring the curriculum.   From my research, I determined the essential components necessary to form a curriculum.  They are listed by subject area: Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts & Reading.

The essential components include:

 

 

My Inquiry consists of a description & chart for each subject area, which would be easy to follow by academic area and topic. 

To determine topics, concepts, skills, and evidence, I combined the ESL curriculum implemented in the past two years, and the regular content area curriculum. 

The charts include:

·        Content area topics

·        Concepts & Skills

·         Evidence/Assessment 

This criterion is based on the Indiana Academic Standards, and the CALLA handbook’s learning strategies and academic language functions for ESL students.

 

It is important to note that through my research and curriculum development, I found there to be two essential parts of the ESL curriculum:  The CALLA Table of Learning Strategies, and the CALLA Table of Academic Language Functions.  These key components are the basis for the curriculum, and can be found throughout the subject areas.


ESL Curriculum:  Math

 

Goal:  SWBAT follow the regular education math curriculum conceptually.

Goal:  SWBAT use ESL strategies to acquire and process content knowledge in this subject area.

 

Instructional Objectives:

SWBAT develop declarative knowledge in regards to mathematical concepts and principals.

SWBAT develop procedural knowledge and connect math skills to concepts.

SWBAT develop mathematical literacy in English.

 

Learning Strategies Emphasized in Math:

Math Problem Solving Steps:

    1. Understand the problem
    2. Find the needed information
    3. Choose a plan
    4. Solve the problem
    5. Check the answer

 

Language Skills Required in Mathematics:

Listening:  understand explanations without concrete referents, understand oral numbers & word problems.

Reading:  understand specialized vocabulary & explanations in the textbook; read mathematical explanations; understand word problems

Speaking:  answer questions; ask questions for clarification; explain problem-solving procedures; describe applications of math in other content areas

Writing:  write verbal input numerically; write word problems; write words for number sentences

 

Texts:  Regular Mathematics Texts (specific text not available until Fall)

 

 

 

Projects/Themes:  Integrate with other subject areas whenever possible.


Math

Seventh Grade

Regular Content Area

Topics

 Concepts and Skills

Evidence/Assessment

(Student Will Be Able To)

Place Value, Estimation, and Rounding

Math vocabulary:  number words, oral and written

Order:  identify relationships and patterns; order sets of numbers.

Analyze & Compare:  separate numbers into wholes & parts

Classify: express numbers in different forms

Order of Operations

Math vocabulary:  operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; computation & estimation

Solve Problems involving more than one operation

Rational Numbers, ratios, proportions, fractions, decimals, percents; operations with rational numbers

Vocabulary; interpretation of concept into English using symbols and visuals; number sense; computation & estimation; operations +, -, x, /

Solve Problems: use operations to solve real-life problems involving fractions, decimals and percents

Factors, Multiples, LCM, GCF

Vocabulary; multiplication and division; computation & estimation

Synthesize:  Find factors, multiples, prime numbers, LCM, & GCF

Graphs and Tables

Vocabulary, interpretation of concept into English using symbols and visuals; bar, line, pie, and picture graphs; tables & data

Analyze:  interpret the data in a graph

Synthesize: identify the appropriate graph for a given set of data; draw a graph using data

Geometry and Measurement

Vocabulary, interpretation of concept into English using symbols and visuals; two and three-dimensional shapes; formulas; perimeter; circumference; area; size; quantity; capacity; temperature; time

Analyze:  describe & compare shapes; measure lengths and angles; find perimeters, areas, & circumferences.

Synthesize:  Relate geometrical symmetry to the real world; make estimates regarding measurement

Statistics and Probability

Vocabulary, interpretation of concept into English using symbols and visuals; sets and subsets, Basic Counting Principle

Order:  collect, organize and present numerical data in a variety of forms

Evaluate:  make inferences and predictions from statistical data

Problem Solving:  Reasoning, Connections, & Communication

Solve problems using math vocabulary, strategies, and gathering evidence.  Make conjectures and develop rules.  Talk and write about math in English using symbols & visuals

Solve Problems: using math problem solving strategies

Seek Information:  make conjectures, gather evidence & generalize; develop rules;

Infer, Justify, & Persuade:  talk & write about mathematics; use mathematical symbols & techniques.

Math:  Eighth Grade

Regular Content Area Topics

Concepts & Skills

Evidence/Assessment

Student will be able to:

Place Value, Estimation, and Rounding using integers and scientific notation

Math vocabulary:  number words, oral and written

Scientific Notation

Order:  identify relationships and patterns; order sets of numbers; write numbers in scientific notation.

Analyze & Compare:  separate numbers into wholes & parts

Order of Operations Using Decimals, Fractions, & Integers,

Math vocabulary:  operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; Positive & Negative numbers

Solve Problems involving more than one operation

Order:  integers using symbols & words.

Rational Numbers:  Relationship among fractions, percents, decimals, & integers

Vocabulary, interpretation of concept into English using symbols and visuals; fractions, decimals, & percents, discount, markup, tax, interest, unit pricing, statistics

Solve Problems: use operations to solve real-life problems involving fractions, decimals, percents & integers

Sets:  Rational and Irrational n

Vocabulary, Irrational Numbers

Order:   sets & subsets using symbols & words.

Interpreting relationships and patterns of graphs and tables, including coordinate graphs, linear graphs, & equations

Using math vocabulary, following directions, meaning through context, using background knowledge & logic.  Interpretation of concept into English using symbols & visuals

Synthesize: plot a linear graph on a coordinate plane; write an equation to solve a problem

 

Geometry & Measurement

Vocabulary, concept into English using symbols and visuals; Pythagorean Theorem, similarity among two- & three-dimensional shapes; volume; surface area

Analyze:  solve problems using similarity; use the Pythagorean Theorem; find volume & surface area of solid shapes

Statistics & Probability

Vocabulary, interpretation of concept into English using symbols and visuals; probability experiments; statistical data

Infer & Evaluate:  predict and find probability results in a simple probability experiment

Evaluate:  make inferences and predictions from statistical data

Problem Solving: Reasoning, Connections, and Communication

Solve problems using math vocabulary, strategies, and gathering evidence.  Make conjectures and develop rules.  Talk and write about math in English using symbols & visuals

Solve Problems: using math problem solving strategies

Seek Information:  make conjectures, gather evidence & generalize; develop rules;

Infer, Justify, & Persuade:  talk & write about mathematics; use mathematical symbols & techniques.

Algebra:  Linear graphs, equations, formulas, relationships and patterns

Using math vocabulary, following directions, meaning through context, using background knowledge & logic; concept into English using symbols & visuals

Solve Problems:  write an equation to solve a problem; use proportions, formulas & equations

Synthesize:  recognize relationships & patterns within a set of equations or tables.

ESL Curriculum:  Science

 

Goal:  SWBAT follow the regular education science curriculum conceptually.

Goal:  SWBAT use ESL strategies to acquire and process content knowledge in this subject area.

 

Instructional Objectives:

SWBAT develop declarative knowledge in regards to scientific concepts and principals.

SWBAT develop procedural knowledge in regards to the scientific method.

SWBAT develop strategies in interpreting science textbook in English.

SWBAT develop strategies in interpreting various scientific readings and data.

 

Learning Strategies Emphasized in Science:

  1.  Scientific Problem Solving:
    1. Ask a Question
    2. Make a Hypothesis
    3. Collect Data
    4. Record Data
    5. Answer the Question

 

Language Skills Required by Science:

Listening:  understand explanations without concrete referents; understand demonstrations; follow directions for experiments; listen for specific information; work with a partner/group on an experiment

Reading:  understand specialized vocabulary and information in textbook; find information from graphs, charts, & tables; follow directions for experiments; find information in reference materials

Speaking:  answer questions; ask for clarification; participate in discussions; explain & demonstrate a process; work with a partner on an experiment

Writing:  write answers to questions; note observations; describe experiments; write reports/ lab reports

 

Texts:  Regular Education Science Textbook (specific text not available until Fall)

 

Projects/Themes: 

Seventh Grade:  Scientific Process, Geology/Geography, Physical Science

Eighth Grade:  Scientific Process, History of the Earth and Living Things, Chemistry

 

 

 

 

Science:  Seventh Grade

Regular Content Area

Topics

 Concepts and Skills

Evidence/Assessment

(Student Will Be Able To)

Measurement:  length, mass, temperature, volume

Measurement Vocabulary Words, Application and Conversion of Metric System and Standard System

Solve Problems: use appropriate measuring equipment with accuracy & precision

Compare:  convert between standard & metric

Scientific Process

Scientific Method, Science Lab Vocabulary, Writing a Lab Report, Problem Solving, Collecting and Recording Data

Seek Information:  observe & explore the environment; acquire information; inquire

Infer:  hypothesize

Classify:  organize data in experiment

Solve Problems:  define & represent problem; determine solution

Synthesize:  combine & integrate data to write a conclusion to lab report

Physical Science:  Force

Science Vocabulary, Gravity, Newton’s Laws, Testing and Applying Scientific Principles

Analyze: factors that influence the relative motion of an object

Synthesize:  explain & demonstrate how forces affect motion including gravitational forces

Infer:  explain & predict motions in inertial & accelerated frames of reference

Physical Science:  Energy

Science Vocabulary, Kinetic and Potential Energy, Testing and Applying Scientific Principles

Synthesize:  explain the various types of energy & how matter & energy are related

Inform:  use kinetic theory to explain energy transformations

Earth Science:  Geology and Geography

Science Vocabulary, Make-up of the Earth, Geographic Features, Natural Resources, Natural Disasters, Geologic Process, Climate, Water Cycle

Synthesize:  explain natural cycles of the Earth’s land, water, & atmospheric systems

Analyze: explain how large-scale dynamic forces, events & processes affect the Earth’s land, water, & atmospheric systems

Space Science:  Solar System/Space Travel

Science Vocabulary, Earth’s Relationship to the sun, moon, and other planets, Relationship between space travel and physical science (force, gravity, etc.)

Analyze:  identify & explain natural cycles & patterns in the solar system

Synthesize:  simulate the effects of gravitational force in the solar system & in space travel

Scientific Process

Application and Elaboration of Science Vocabulary and Concepts Using the Scientific Process, Group project:  topic selected by students

Seek Information, Infer, Order, Classify, Analyze, Synthesize, & Evaluate by conducting a scientific experiment using the scientific method

 

Science:  Eighth Grade

Regular Content Area

Topics

 Concepts and Skills

Evidence/Assessment

(Student Will Be Able To)

Scientific Process

Vocabulary Words, Data Collection and Interpretation, Introduction to various types of Tables/Charts/Graphs

Problem Solving, Using the Scientific Method to write a lab report including graphs in conclusions

Seek Information:  observe & explore the environment; acquire information; inquire

Infer:  hypothesize

Classify:  organize data in experiment

Solve Problems:  define & represent problem

Synthesize:  combine & integrate data in report

Earth Science:  Geology

Science Vocabulary, History of the Earth, Geologic Timeline, Fossils, Rock Layers, Pangea, Dinosaurs

Evaluate:  describe interactions between earth, oceans atmosphere, & organisms that have resulted in ongoing changes of Earth Synthesize:  describe how rock layers & fossils are used to interpret the changes of the earth

Life Science:  Evolution

Science Vocabulary, Theories of Evolution and Creativism, Analyze and Debate the different theories

Compare:  assess features of organisms for their adaptive, competitive & survival potential

Analyze:  each of the theories

Justify & Persuade:  choose a theory, & give evidence in support of that position

Life Science:  Genetics & Heredity

Science Vocabulary, Physical Characteristics, Mendel, Dominant and Recessive Genes, Punnet Squares

Analyze:  compare & contrast how different forms & structures reflect different functions

Classify & Evaluate:  explain how genetic combinations produce visible effects & variation among physical features of organisms

Physical Science:  Chemistry

Science Vocabulary, States of Matter, Physical and Chemical Properties, Atomic Structure Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, Solutions, Molecules, Periodic Table, Chemical Reactions

 Synthesize:  model & describe the chemical & physical characteristics of matter

Analyze:  explain the atomic structure of matter

Classify:  differentiate elements using the periodic table

Evaluate:  explain simple chemical reactions

Life Science:  The Human Body

Science Vocabulary, Digestive System, Skeleton & Muscles, Pulmonary System, Nervous System

Analyze:  describe parts & features of various systems; complete frog lab, & unit test

Scientific Process

Application and Elaboration of Science Vocabulary and Concepts Using the Scientific Process

Individual project:  topic selected by students

Seek Information, Infer, Order, Classify, Analyze, Synthesize, & Evaluate by conducting a scientific experiment using the scientific method


ESL Curriculum:  Social Studies

Goal:  SWBAT follow the regular education social studies curriculum conceptually.

Goal:  SWBAT use ESL strategies to acquire and process content knowledge in this subject area.

 

Instructional Objectives:

SWBAT acquire knowledge and cultural understanding of the United States in relation to their native country and the rest of the world.

SWBAT develop democratic understanding and civic values.

SWBAT attain social studies skills such as mapping, social participation, and interpretation of historical and geographical data.

SWBAT develop strategies in interpreting social studies textbook in English.

 

Learning Strategies Emphasized in Social Studies:

1.  Linguistic Transfer:  geographical terms/historical names similar to native language

 

Texts:  Regular Education Social Studies Textbook (specific text not available until Fall)

 

Projects/Themes: 

Seventh Grade:  Geography

Eighth Grade:  United States History

 

Language Skills Required By Social Studies:

Listening:  Understand explanations without concrete referents.  Listen for specific information.

Reading:  Understand specialized vocabulary.  Find information from graphs, charts, tables and maps.  Adjust reading for different purposes.

Speaking:  Answer and ask questions for clarification.  Participate in discussions.  Present oral reports.

Writing:  Write answers to questions.  Label maps, graphs, and charts.  Contribute to group reports.  Write research reports.

Social Studies:  Seventh Grade, Geography

Regular Content Area

Topics

 Concepts and Skills

Evidence/Assessment

(Student Will Be Able To)

Theme One:  Location

Social Studies Vocabulary, Absolute Location, including latitude & longitude, and map skills, Relative Location, including relationship of continents, countries, & oceans

 

Synthesize:  explain how people use geographic markers & boundaries to analyze & navigate the Earth.

Seek Information:  use maps & other geographic representations & instruments to gather information about various locations

Theme Two:  Place

Social Studies Vocabulary, Physical and Cultural Characteristics of different places.  Including Continents, Regions, Countries, States, Cities, and Neighborhoods.

Compare:  the physical & cultural characteristics of places using a graphic organizer

Synthesize:  use mental maps of physical features to answer complex geographic questions

Project:  7 Continents

Theme Three:  Region

The study of areas that have common characteristics.  This includes climate, culture, religion, and geographic features.  Social Studies Vocabulary

 

Analyze:  Use maps, other geographic instruments, & other resources to analyze spatial & cultural patterns & distributions on earth

Project:  Travel Brochure

Theme Four:  Movement

The study of how people in one place make contact with people from another place:  Social Studies Vocabulary, Culture, Economics, Art

Analyze:  how human processes influence settlement patterns included migration & population growth

Synthesize:  explain how places with various population distributions function as centers of economic & cultural activity

Project:  MAPP (Snite Museum)

Theme Five:  Human/Environment Interaction

The study of how people adapt to where they live, or how they adapt where they live to fit their needs: Culture Sociology, Economics, History, Social Studies Vocabulary

Synthesize:  describe the relationships among location of resources, population distribution, & economic activities.

Evaluate:  explain how human activity affects the environment, & how physical characteristics of places influence people’s perceptions of their roles in the world over time

Project:  Report


Social Studies:  Eighth Grade, U.S. History

Regular Content Area

Topics

 Concepts and Skills

Evidence/Assessment

(Student Will Be Able To)

Pre-History

The beginning of the earth:  Pangea, and the movement of peoples/Cause effect relationships

Synthesize:  Explain how & why spatial patterns of settlement change over time

Analyze:  how human processes influence settlement patterns including migration

Evaluate:  explain how geographic factors have shaped present conditions

Native Americans/Ancient Cultures

Native American Culture and Tribes of North and South America

Synthesize:  Describe the economic systems & trade patterns of North America, South America, & Mesoamerica before the encounter with the Europeans.

Explorers

Movement of peoples from Europe to North America.  A study of all of the explorers of North America and the development of the New World.  Explorers Project

Analyze:  Explain how trade patterns developed between the Americas & the rest of the global economy

Evaluate:  Describe social, political, & economic effects of European exploration and expansion on the Americas

Thirteen Colonies

The development of the English Colonies, Colonial Life, Relations with Native Americans and other Europeans in the New World, French & Indian War.

Classify:  describe characteristics of different kinds of communities in various sections of America during the colonial period

Synthesize:  give social, political & economic consequences of colonial America on the Native Americas & Europeans

Revolutionary War

Causes and Effects of the Revolutionary War.  Major Events and Battles of the Revolutionary War.

Analyze:  explain how and why the colonies fought for their independence

Synthesize:  explain how the colonists’ ideas are reflected in the Declaration of Independence.

The Constitution of the U.S.

The basic structure and values of the Constitution, including how it was developed, the Articles of Confederation and current application of the laws in the Constitution and Bill of Rights

Evaluate:  Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Classify:  Differentiate between the duties & functions of the three branches of the U.S. government

Synthesize:  Explain the system of checks & balances

ESL Curriculum: Language Arts & Reading

 

Goals:  The goals are based on the TESOL ESL standards for K-12 Students, 1997.  These goals provide the bridge to general education goals expected of all students in the United States.

Goal 1:  SWBAT use English to communicate in social settings

Goal 2:  SWBAT use English to achieve academically in all content areas

Goal 3:  SWBAT use English in socially & culturally appropriate ways.

 

Instructional Objectives:  The objectives are based on the TESOL ESL standards for K-12 Students, 1997.  These objectives provide the bridge to general education standards expected of all students in the United States.

1.      SWBAT use English to participate in social interaction and interact in the classroom

  1. SWBAT interact in, through, and with spoken & written English for personal expression & enjoyment
  2. SWBAT use learning strategies to extend their communicative, sociolinguistic, & sociocultural competence
  3. SWBAT to use learning strategies to construct and apply academic knowledge
  4. SWBAT use English to obtain, process, construct, and provide subject matter information in spoken & written form
  5. SWBAT use appropriate language variety & nonverbal communication, register, and genre according to audience, purpose, & setting

 

Learning Strategies Emphasized in Language Arts & Reading:

Writing Process: Prewriting,      Writing, Revising, Editing, Publishing   

 

Texts:  The House On Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros, Escalofrios, by R.L. Stein, Chicken Soup For the Soul, selections from various authors, Visiting Miss Pierce, by Janice Henderson, El Arroyo de La Llorona, by Sandra Cisneros, Other readings

 

Projects/Themes: 

Seventh Grade:  Creative Writing:  Relation of Self to the World, Cultures

Eighth Grade:  Essay Writing:  Relation of Self to the United States, U.S. Immigration

 

Language Skills Required By Language Arts & Reading:

Listening:  Understand explanations without concrete referents.  Listen for specific information.

Reading:  Understand vocabulary through context.  Find information from graphic organizers& pictures.  Adjust reading for different purposes.

Speaking:  Answer and ask questions for clarification.  Participate in discussions.  Present oral reports.

Writing:  Write for different purposes and audiences depending upon language level & assignment.  Use various forms of reference in both English & native language to assist in various forms of writing assignments.

Language Arts & Reading:  Seventh grade

Regular Content Area

Topics

 Concepts and Skills

Evidence/Assessment

(Student Will Be Able To)

Writing Process

Discuss ideas for writing, keep a list of writing ideas, and use graphic organizers.  Use note-taking skills.  Write more than one draft of stories, poems, article or reports.  Use a checklist to review and evaluate writing.  Edit revise, and proofread writing.

Order/Classify, Synthesize & Evaluate:  Use the writing process to complete a piece of writing. 

Use at least 3-paragraph structure including topic sentence for each paragraph.

Organize writing into Beginning, Middle, End

Writing Conventions

Use correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization & usage.  Write using complex sentence structure.  Daily Oral Language

Classify, Analyze, & Synthesize:  Spell correctly most words used in first draft writing; apply affixes to words; use resources to correct spelling.  Use correctly punctuation marks in writing.  Demonstrate understanding of active voice/passive voice. Write in active voice when possible.  Use compound & complex sentences when writing.  Use clauses & prepositional phrases.

Writing Application

Write using a variety of forms.  Write for different purposes & audiences.

Classify:  write using a variety of forms; write for different purposes, adjusting tone & style.

Synthesize:  use varied word choices to make writing interesting; include details to support the topic or plot.

Autobiography

Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit an Autobiography using the Writing Process, Writing Conventions, & Writing Application

Submit writing to portfolio with checklist, rubric, self-assessment & teacher assessment

Oral History of Family/Family Tree

 

Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit an Oral History including graphic organizer of Family Tree using the Writing Process, Writing Conventions, & Writing Application

Submit writing to portfolio with checklist, rubric, self-assessment & teacher assessment


Language Arts & Reading:  Seventh grade, cont.

Reading Comprehension

Theme, Cause/effect, Mood, Plot, Characters, Setting, Action, Climax, Resolution, Figurative Language

Compare:  story events, characters, & themes;

Analyze:  author’s use of figurative language; how authors create moods; cause and effects; identify the problems faced by story characters & determine how they solved their problems

Infer:  Make & revise predictions; challenge opinions & generalizations; draw conclusions

Reading Application

Read a variety of materials, Organization of content area materials & genres.  Relationship between new information & background knowledge, Reference sources, Skim & Scan, Reading speed,

Classify:  recognize various purposes for which books & article are written; identify the differences among various literary forms.

Compare:  various materials, the structure of content area materials, genres, & structures, new information with previous knowledge

Seek Information:  identify author’s purpose & perspective, use information sources, adjust reading rate with purpose for reading, draw information on a topic form several sources, recognize literary structures.

Reading:  Word Recognition

Meaning through Context, Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes, & Verb Tenses

Infer: recognize the meaning of new vocabulary through context, use affixes, roots, & tenses to predict meaning

World Culture/Fiction:  Myths, Legends & Folktales

Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application; Reading Comprehension; Reading Application; Reading:  Word Recognition

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit a Myth, Legend or Folktale using the Writing Process, & information from readings.  Submit writing to portfolio with reading references, checklist, rubric, self-assessment & teacher assessment

Hispanic Culture/Fiction: 

The House On Mango Street

Book in Spanish:  Escalofrios

Reading Comprehension; Reading Application; Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application; Reading:  Word Recognition

Inform:  recount & summarize information presented by text

Analyze & Evaluate: combine ideas from text with prior knowledge

Engaged Learning Project

Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application; Reading Comprehension; Reading Application; Reading:  Word Recognition

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit an Engaged Learning Project using the Writing Process, & Information obtained from readings.

Submit writing to portfolio with reading references, checklist, rubric, self-assessment & teacher assessment.


Language Arts & Reading:  Eighth Grade

Regular Content Area

Topics

 Concepts and Skills

Evidence/Assessment

(Student Will Be Able To)

Writing Process

Discuss ideas for writing, keep a list of writing ideas, and use graphic organizers.  Use note-taking skills.  Write several successive drafts of an article, report or essay.  Edit revise, and proofread each successive draft.

Order/Classify, Synthesize & Evaluate:  Use the writing process to complete a piece of writing.

Use at least 5-paragraph structure including topic sentences for each paragraph.

Include Introduction, Body, Conclusion

Writing Conventions

Use correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization & usage.  Write using complex sentence structure.  Daily Oral Language

Classify, Analyze, & Synthesize:  Spell correctly most words used in first draft writing; apply affixes to words; use resources to correct spelling.  Use correctly punctuation marks in writing.  Use correct agreement between pronouns & antecedents.  Use compound & complex sentences when writing.  Use clauses & prepositional phrases.

Writing Application

Write using a variety of forms.  Write for different purposes & audiences.

Classify:  write using a variety of forms: including persuasive, narrative & expository essays, use interview, research & reference materials to gather information

Synthesize:  use precise word choices to make writing interesting; include details to support the topic sentence & essay purpose

Autobiography

Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit an Autobiography using the Writing Process, Writing Conventions, & Writing Application

Submit writing to portfolio with rubric, self-assess by comparing to 7th grade Autobiography

Oral History of Immigrant from nursing home

 

Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit an Oral History using the Writing Process, Writing Conventions, & Writing Application

Submit writing to portfolio with checklist, rubric, self-assessment & teacher assessment included.

 


Language Arts & Reading:  Eighth grade, cont.

Reading Comprehension

Theme, Cause/effect, Plot, Characters, Mood

Compare:  themes in several works of an author

Analyze:  story events & characters; causes, effects & synthesize solutions

Infer:  Make & confirm predictions; challenge opinions; draw conclusions

Reading Application

Read a variety of materials, Organization of content area materials & genres.  Relationship between new information & background knowledge, Reference sources, Skim & Scan, Reading speed,

Classify:  recognize various materials including, biographies, articles, & memoirs

Compare:  information from various sources, & make & draw conclusions accordingly

Seek Information:  understand how an author uses language to influence & persuade adjust reading rate with purpose for reading, draw information on a topic form several sources, recognize literary devices & structures.

Reading:  Word Recognition

Meaning through Context, Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes, & Verb Tenses

Infer: recognize the meaning of new vocabulary through context, use affixes, roots, & tenses to predict meaning; consult glossary or index

American Culture & History:

An analysis of historical films:  Forrest Gump, Far & Away, & Fried Green Tomatoes

Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application; Reading Comprehension; Reading Application; Reading:  Word Recognition

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit an analysis of each movie using the Writing Process, & information from historical readings.  Submit writing to portfolio with references, checklist, rubric, self-assessment & teacher assessment

American Culture:  Chicken Soup For the Soul, Visiting Miss Pierce, El Arroyo de La Llorona, Other readings

Reading Comprehension; Reading Application; Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application; Reading:  Word Recognition

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit an analysis of each movie using the Writing Process, & information from readings.  Submit writing to portfolio with references, checklist, rubric, self-assessment & teacher assessment

Engaged Learning Project

Writing Process; Writing Conventions; Writing Application; Reading Comprehension; Reading Application; Reading:  Word Recognition

Synthesize & Evaluate:  submit an Engaged Learning Project using the Writing Process, & Information obtained from readings.

Submit writing to portfolio with reading references, checklist, rubric, self-assessment & teacher assessment

Compare/Contrast to 7th grade portfolio entries.

 


Analysis And Reflection

            This Individual Problem of Practice was very successful in that it was something that I wanted to do to improve the Bilingual Program at my school, Navarre Middle School.  The problem at Navarre was that the Program had existed for four years without a set curriculum.  When I was hired, I was told to establish a curriculum.  I had established a curriculum in practice, but it was incomplete, and not put into writing.  Now that I have finished the curriculum via this cohort, I feel that the curriculum’s topics, concepts, skills, and standards can be applied at my school to ensure the program’s success. 

            My main concern is that, after all of the work that I have put into this project, the curriculum will not be implemented for some reason.  Through my research, I became aware of all of the different curriculum handbooks in my possession, which I never really studied until now.  My research showed that many different experts have many different definitions and components to curriculum.   I hoped to design and define a curriculum that is teacher-friendly and practical, so that it could be meaningful and easily implemented.  I know that I will follow it, but given my future career goals, I will not be at Navarre much longer, and I hope that this curriculum can be useful to future bilingual teachers in the building.

A possible obstacle to curriculum implementation could be that my colleagues will not accept the curriculum for some reason.  I collaborated with the others in my department at the beginning of the process, but completed the curriculum on my own.  I hope that the bilingual department at Navarre, along with administrator’s will have time to meet and discuss the implications of the curriculum, and revise it collaboratively if necessary.

If the bilingual department and administration at Navarre Middle School arrive at consensus, a establish a curriculum that all bilingual staff can follow and maintain will be established The implications of the Navarre Middle School Bilingual Program Curriculum are such that, if implemented correctly, will coordinate the curriculum with the regular education teachers in order to provide easy transition for ESL students into the mainstream, and ensure consistency and high expectations in the transition from seventh to eighth grade, and eighth grade into high school in addition to providing English As A Second Language  instruction.

The frames of reference used to complete this project were both helpful and confusing.  I pulled information from many different curriculums including, Navarre Middle School, South Bend Community School Corporation, River Trails School District, the State Departments of both Indiana and Illinois, and national standards for ESL given by TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.)  These curriculums were confusing because they all had different formats.  Most were very difficult to read.  Though they all had similar goals and objectives, they were formatted in so many different ways that it was hard to select which format I thought most important.  It was also difficult because all of the curriculum handbooks were very lengthy, which is what I wanted to avoid in my curriculum.  In order to make my curriculum easy to read and use, I pulled what I thought to be the most important information from each of these sources, often combining them into my own words.  The most helpful book by far was the CALLA handbook because it is especially designed to meet the needs of ESL students, and it most completely covers the ESL goals and objectives.  Furthermore, both the seventh grade bilingual teacher and myself use the CALLA method of teaching very often in our classrooms.

In conclusion, this project was very beneficial to me because it sets a structure for the bilingual program at Navarre Middle School, and it completes standard two of the IPSB standards for building administrators necessary to complete this class.  Standard Two regards school culture and instructional program. The curriculum I have designed completes the Knowledge section of Standard Two in curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and refinement. The curriculum applies learning theories (CALLA) and assessment strategies to change the processes of the current system or lack thereof.  This project completes the Dispositions section of Standard Two in that it provides methods for all students to learn in a variety of way.  It promotes life-long learning, and prepares students to be contributing members of society.  Finally, the Performances section of Standard Two is met in that a high set of expectations for self, student, and staff performance has been introduced, and that multiple opportunities to learn are available to all students and staff.  Furthermore, the bilingual program at Navarre is organized and aligned for success.

 

 

 

Frames of Reference:

  1. South Bend Community School Corporation documentation of identification and exiting criteria for bilingual/ESL students.
  2. Navarre Middle School Bilingual Program documentation of student characteristics according to ESL language level.
  3. Indiana’s Academic Standards: 7th and 8th grades.
  4. South Bend Community School Corporation’s Middle School Reading and Language Arts Curriculum Guide.
  5. Illinois State Board of Education learning standards for elementary and secondary students.
  6. Illinois Assessment Initiatives for Bilingual/ESL students, from Illinois State Board of Education Center for Accountability and Assessments.
  7. River Trails School District 26, Mt. Prospect, IL goals in all subject areas.
  8. Language Arts and Math Curriculum Themes from River Trails School District
  9. The CALLA Handbook:  Implementing the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach, by Anna Uhl Chamot and J. Michael O’Malley, Addison –Wesley Publishing Company, 1994

10.  ESL Standards for K-12 Students, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc., 1997