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:
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.
Regular Content AreaTopics |
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. |
Regular Content Area Topics |
Concepts & Skills |
Evidence/AssessmentStudent 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:
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
Regular Content AreaTopics |
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 |
Regular Content AreaTopics |
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.
Regular Content AreaTopics |
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 AreaTopics |
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.
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.
Regular Content AreaTopics |
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 |
|
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 AreaTopics |
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. |
|
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. |
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:
10. ESL Standards for K-12 Students, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc., 1997