Social Studies

2015 – 2016Middle School

Why are you working in education?

Essential Question

Education is the best strategy for improving society.

The health of our democracy is linked to the health of our education.

So kids will be prepared to make their way in the world.

The Chinese sent me over here because they are tired of making everything.

Why are you working in education?

Bus duty Angry parents Angry kids Grading papers Lack of respect Pay checks are …. insulting Legislators can be … insulting

Why do we ask ourselves, “Is teaching really for me?”

Goals• By 2020, 90 percent of third-grade

students will read on or above grade level.• By 2018, our graduation rate will

be 90 percent.• By 2018, we will close the

achievement gap between subgroups by 10 percentage points while increasing the performance of all subgroups.

How We TeachEffective lessons share a core structure:1. State clear objectives2. Explore, model, and demonstrate3. Provide guided practice4. Check for understanding

throughout lesson/formative assessment

Clear Learning Objectives

•Developed from the standards•Designed to create interest in topic, develop background knowledge, and teach vocabulary•Stated in student-friendly language (e.g., essential question or “I can” statement)

Explore, Model, and Demonstrate

•Provide opportunities for students to explore, investigate, and navigate using a variety of media•Model concepts in small chunks•Demonstrate using higher-order think-alouds

Guided Practice

•Distributed throughout lesson•Facilitated in whole group, small groups, pairs, and individually•Monitored carefully

Checks for Understanding/Formative

Assessment

•Uses a variety of methods to see if students understand concepts•Provides constructive feedback •Adjusts instruction to address student needs•Provides opportunities for students to read and write in all content areas to summarize learning

Critical Components of Effective Lesson Plans

1. State clear objectives2. Explore, model, and

demonstrate3. Provide guided practice4. Check for understanding

throughout lesson/formative assessment

Goals• By 2020, 90 percent of third-grade

students will read on or above grade level.• By 2018, our graduation rate will

be 90 percent.• By 2018, we will close the

achievement gap between subgroups by 10 percentage points while increasing the performance of all subgroups.

Why did I go into education?