I agree, GET INVOLVED! 

 

Curriculum Writing:  I always get involved in departmental curriculum writing at the high school level.  As a department chairperson, I also am involved at the district level.  Our K-12 media specialists work together to develop a comprehensive program.  We are short staffed, so the curriculum is written as the ultimate goal.  Often, we do have to scale down what we do teach, but the ultimate goal and theory is documented. 

 

NEASC:  I also found at the high school level, it is important to get involved in the NEASC process.  I chaired the School Resources for Learning Committee at Shelton High School.  School Resources for Learning involves the oversight of Special Education, Library Media, Nursing and Social Services.  After NEASC, I charged our follow-up committee, Interdisciplinary Learning.  Everyone likes to collaborate with the media specialists and develop interdisciplinary projects as this is an “easy fit”. 

 

JAM and STEM Committees:  I am also very involved in our district initiatives JAM (Journalism Art and Media) and STEM. 

 

Leadership Team:  I also sit on the Leadership Team at Shelton High School. We are very involved in program development and coordination of building activities. 

 

Push Resources:  I also make sure my resources (books and online materials) are aligned with the high school curriculum.  I often pull carts of books and teachers bring them to their rooms.  I have a teacher that has a new topic every month.  Sample topics include:  Bill of Rights, Constitution, Presidents, Roman Empire, Medieval Times.  She will make stations in her classroom and students have to locate specific questions within the classroom materials.  We are all hearing about collaboration and utilizing non-fiction materials.  This works for us.  Our science department does the same thing.

 

Classroom Collaboration:   I also work with the Language Arts Department/English teachers.  They bring classrooms of students to the library and students find books by Lexile, topic and interest.  I have displays of books by Lexile, so that they can also browse find books.  Then the students must read the books and submit a review to Turn It In and then Destiny.  The  grade the reviews and then they are posted on the Destiny Catalog. 

 

Collaborative Assured Experiences:  I try to “kick-off” as many research projects as I can.  I generally start the research projects in the library and share available online resources,  research strategies and production tips and then the teachers take over.  I drop in and coach as necessary. 

 

From: casl-l-bounces@mylist.net [mailto:casl-l-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Vaghini, T
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 8:30 AM
To: Matthew Cadorette
Cc: casl-l@mylist.net
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] Curriculum Writing

 

Matt,