Curriculum

= This page exists to brainstorm thoughts, ideas, possible problems to highlight, etc. as a collaborative tool [not solutions] regarding adjusting our curriculum to the flex trimester model. =
 * Feel free to add to this page.**

= = = 1. Which courses are essential to be linked 1-2 or 2-3 in the flex trimester model? = = = =2. Where should graduation requirements be adjusted due to the addition of the the extra time slots? = = = = 3. What will be the impact of removing study halls as a scheduling option? =
 * =Math - maybe, maybe not=
 * =Science - maybe, maybe not=
 * =Foreign Language - trimester structure could be hard for students=
 * =as an on-going--requirement could it be fulfilled early--summer ?=
 * =run it for three trimesters for first 2 levels=
 * =What will the college perceptions be?=
 * =Find out what is important =
 * =English - divide into into Literature and Composition=
 * =skill classes - need connection=
 * =possibilities of a wrap-around year?=
 * =With no study halls, what about students who can not handle a course? Where do kids go?=
 * =Students scoring a C- or lower in Reading or English should take a study course first=
 * =IEP--using notes during exams, while others can not use notes=
 * =questions of differentiation vs. confidentiality...=
 * =Foreign Language requirements...=
 * =Fine Arts requirements...=
 * =More teachers will be needed for instructional periods=
 * ="Drop Times" need to be much shorter... Counseling must support this...Teachers need to be willing to guide students to Peer Tutoring & other methods of student support=
 * =students won't have the option to opt out of a period...adding to the electives will help placement of students=

= 4. How can electives be more equitable in their development? = = 5. What about different teachers? =
 * =clarify this question please....=
 * =aligning course objectives to state standards & other college curricula...real-world applications, solid skills, technology component, etc.=
 * =Common assessments - focus on fundamental things/objectives/benchmark skills=

= 6. Modified Track - Should we keep them on freshman and sophomore levels? =
 * =Differentiating instruction in a non-tracked class is very difficult...it requires the quicker students to wait...adding a serious boredom factor...adds to a great deal of off-task activity while "waiting."=

= 7. Pedagogy--methods have to be re-considered... =
 * =Should be addressed in Teacher Training periods...we need to be coached into teaching for the new "block."=
 * =Review curricula that are doing it now: link to curriculum half way down page on the right: [|Guerin Catholic High School]=
 * =Plan a 2-prong or 3-prong day...=
 * =some lecture/instruction/teaching=
 * =some practice=
 * =some research=
 * =some in-team work/project=
 * =exit question/progress check=
 * =in-class reading=

= 8. Integration of all these changes--implementation... =
 * =Lots of teacher training needed=

= 9. Mass during Advisory Period... =
 * =Will 2 choirs be needed?=
 * =Smaller groups add to ability to focus..."reachability"=