Curriculum Corner
2023-2024 Quarter #4 Update
Grateful for You!
As we find ourselves in the final stretch of the 2023-2024 academic year, I can't help but reflect on the journey we've shared together. This year has been a mix of challenges and victories, each adding depth to our shared experience.
In the face of adversity, you've displayed unwavering dedication and resilience. Together, we've weathered storms and celebrated victories, emerging stronger and more united than ever before. Your commitment to our students, to their growth and well-being, is nothing short of inspiring.
Every day, as I witness the profound impact you have on our students' lives, I'm reminded of the incredible privilege it is to work alongside each of you. Your passion, your tireless efforts, they don't just shape minds, they shape futures. You are the reason our students walk through those school doors with hope and determination.
Miami Public Schools isn't just a place of learning; it's a community, a family, where every member plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders. And I have every confidence that together, we will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations we've set for ourselves.
I understand that the path we've chosen is not an easy one. It requires sacrifice, dedication, and a whole lot of heart. But it's also a calling—one that each of you has answered with grace and purpose. For that, I am profoundly grateful.
As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie before us, know that I stand beside you, ready to roll up my sleeves and do whatever it takes to ensure the success and well-being of our students. Because ultimately, that's what it's all about—doing what's best for our kids, each and every day.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do.
With deepest appreciation,
-Jill
MPS Instructional Design Plan for 2023-2024
This document contains important information regarding the curriculum at MPS. You will have access to essential standards, proficiency scales, curriculum review and evaluation processes, curriculum development cycle timelines, and much more. Throughout the year, teams will work to continue the development of the document and make changes as necessary. The goal is to have one place where all teachers, principals, and staff can access the information they need to instruct students.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gi6PjV-9RaKWt8FKMDgbk_YdhcqIgjsI_dvD_bQF010/edit?usp=sharing
Behavior Intervention Support Team
A district-wide objective is to enhance student behavior by fostering increased accountability among students. Throughout the third quarter, our administrators have been delving into an effective behavior intervention system known as BIST (Behavior Intervention Support Team). BIST is designed to bolster student accountability and maximize instructional time through a proactive coaching approach.
When we consider the subjects we teach, it's clear that we don't expect students to grasp complex concepts without proper instruction. Similarly, behavioral skills require explicit teaching and guidance. We can't anticipate students to exhibit exemplary behavior without equipping them with the necessary skills.
Recently, a group of educators and administrators visited Neosho Middle School, where BIST practices are successfully implemented. In the 2017-2018 academic year, NMS experienced 438 major discipline infractions resulting in various forms of suspension. However, after six years of BIST implementation, this number dramatically decreased to just 98 incidents.
In July, we are organizing teams from each school building to further explore BIST methodologies. If you're interested in learning more about BIST or joining the implementation team, please inform your building principal. Let's work together to cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment for all our students.
For more information about BIST click the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13O5xEV-JEU8FjeGkS8jNOtXCMoZu4sPw98ofx95bRJg/edit?usp=sharing
Professional Development Committee
In the weeks to come, the Professional Development Committee will be completing a survey, and your input is invaluable. We encourage you to reflect on the professional development opportunities you would like to engage in during the upcoming 2024-2025 school year and share your thoughts with your designated professional development representative. Additionally, we invite you to contemplate the advantages and disadvantages of Engage PD, and how it benefits you as an educator. Your insights into what professional development is essential for new teachers joining our district are also greatly appreciated.
Your feedback is crucial in shaping professional development within our district, and we eagerly anticipate hearing from you. Together, let's ensure that our professional development initiatives effectively meet the diverse needs of our educators and ultimately enhance student learning experiences.
Coming Up in Quarter #4
Curriculum Calendar
We will be continuing our work on curriculum planning during the summer months. More information will be sent regarding dates, times, and stipend possibilities. Please use the link below to access the curriculum calendar for upcoming collaboration and professional development activities. Dates are subject to change.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iVfRPMC4WmxOVCxhsnIlIYqNuBxQudqhrwKgf6ljH9Y/edit?usp=sharing
Math Textbook Selection
Big Ideas will be at Central Office on April 5th at 2:15 pm to present information about their program. Textbook Committee members are encouraged to attend. McGraw Hill and Savvas are working on presentation dates and those will be shared as soon as possible. Invitations will be sent out with more detail.
Digital Features for Savvas
Here is login information to learn more about the digital features provided by Savvas:
Savvas enVision Math Grades K-12 (Select Brows to see all books.)
username: enVisionOK
password: Savvas4OK
Quarter 4 Assessment Data
Information regarding student progress from quarter 3 and 4 will be provided in the coming weeks via email.
Continued Information from Quarter 3 Update
Proficiency Scales and Common Assessments
Proficiency, denoting a high level of competency or skill, stands as a focal point for the district this year. Our goal is to define proficiency for essential standards in ELA and Math, culminating in proficiency scales for all such standards by the end of the year. Active collaboration within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) will be crucial to achieving progress on this objective, allowing for adjustments to the scales as teams work together on standards. In the second semester, our focus will shift to math, engaging in group efforts to develop proficiency scales.
In tandem with our proficiency endeavors, we will also concentrate on crafting common assessments for each essential standard. This collaborative initiative ensures the identification of skill-specific learning targets and promotes uniform assessment expectations. The groundwork for this has commenced at the elementary level in ELA, marking a comprehensive approach to enhancing our educational practices.
Handwriting-Path of Motion
The early childhood team has determined the path of motion to be followed for handwriting instruction. This is the scripted vocabulary to use when working on letter formation with students. For detailed instructions and accompanying resources, please refer to the documents provided below, which include the prescribed language and letter tracing sheets for both guided and independent practice.
Curriculum Development Process
How does the process of determining proficiency and developing common assessments fit into the PLC process?
The graphic below explains how each part of the curriculum process fits into the four PLC focus questions.
- What do we expect students to learn?
- How will we know they have learned it?
- How will we respond when students do not learn it?
- How will we respond when students already know?
Assessment Data
The data presented in the following items serves as a comprehensive snapshot of student progress during the 2023-2024 school year within the district.
PreACT Data SY23-24: 10th Grade
Exact Path Reading Assessment BOY-MOY Comparison for Grades 1st-8th
Exact Path Math Assessment BOY-MOY Comparison for Grades 1st-8th
Exact Path Language Arts Assessment BOY-MOY Comparison for Grades 1st-8th
Questions to Ask About the Data
The data displayed above is showing the big picture of where we are at academically as district, but how will we use this data to move forward? When analyzing data it is important to determine what you are looking at as a team, why is it important, and what other questions you have. Having multiple data points will help your team identify the learning needs of the students and provide you with an accurate picture of how students are currently performing. Using common formative assessments will help to drill down to specific targets that are in need of support. Here are a few questions you may want to consider when looking at student data:
- What do the data tell you?
- What questions about student thinking and understanding will we address by examining our student data?
- What learning needs are evident?
- What action steps will need to be taken to address identified learning needs?
Learning Targets
Learning targets are to help the student remember the objective of learning. Please make sure you have targets posted and review the targets with students.
Think About It
Classroom Management
Last quarter, we looked at Dr. John Hattie’s influences on student achievement. According to the meta-analysis, teacher efficacy has an effect size of 1.57, which means there is considerable potential to accelerate student achievement. When thinking about teacher efficacy, we are looking at the level of confidence a teacher has in their ability to guide student success. Classroom management plays a significant role in that efficacy. Dr. Jacob Kounin conducted a study to identify the behaviors of good classroom managers, which include the following:
- With-it-ness
- Overlapping
- Smoothness and Momentum
- Group Alerting
- Accountability
- Seatwork Variety and Challenge
Check out this link to learn more about each of the behaviors: https://www.effectiveteaching.com/userfiles/kcfinder/files/2_Kounin.pdf
Think About It:
- What is “With-it-ness”? How can you be perceived as “with-it” by your students?
- How effective are you when implementing transitions and setting the pace for learning in the classroom?
- What does accountability look like in your classroom?
- How are you providing variety and challenge?
Let me know your thoughts.
New Partnership
Check out their website for more information. If you see something you would like to attend, please reach out to your building principal. https://southwestcenter.socs.net/vnews/display.v/SEC/SWC%20Educator%20Resources%7CSWC%20Professional%20Learning
Teacher Chat
Have you ever wanted to ask a question but didn't want others to think you didn't know your stuff? Needed clarification on something and didn't know who to ask? Or do you have a really fantastic idea that needs to be shared? This is why we are starting Teacher Chat. You will see a link to a Google Form below. Fill out the form with your questions, and I will do my best to answer your questions or find the person with the answer. Responses will be communicated via email or in the next Curriculum Corner update. Don't worry; your questions will remain anonymous. Remember, if you have this question, someone else probably does too. Let's move forward by learning together.