Module 1: Unpack the Standards
In this module, participants will gain an appreciation and an understanding for the Massachusetts content standards. Participants will become comfortable with navigating the DESE website in relationship to exploring the standards. Participants will work closely with their grade level and content area, and also have the opportunity to explore the larger scope of their content area K-12 .
By the end of this module participants will be able to:
1. explain the purpose and structure of the Massachusetts state standards in their content area and of the 2014 Literacy Standards.
2. unpack a standard.
3. analyze the language of the standards.
4. analyze the progression of skills within a specific content area.
Expected time to complete this module is 6-8 hours.
Module 2: Student Learning Objectives
In this four-lesson module, participants will develop a series of high quality student learning objectives for their specific grade level or content area. This module will briefly review the process for unpacking a standard and then focus on techniques for writing high quality learning objectives and using them in instructional practice. The module provides an opportunity for teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the language of the Massachusetts Frameworks.
By the end of this module participants will be able to:
1. decode the language of a specific strand in the standards for their content area.
2. develop a series of high quality student learning objectives suitable for posting in the classroom and sharing with colleagues.
3. create a plan to incorporate student learning objectives effectively into daily instructional practice.
Expected time to complete this module is 3-4 hours.
Module 3: Formative Assessment
Participants in this module will gain a better understanding of formative assessment. Beginning with a brief overview of what the research says, participants will then consider the purpose of such assessments, preview multiple types, plan implementation within their own classrooms and ways to incorporate formative assessments using district-wide instructional strategies such as the Collins Writing Method and Keys to Literacy.
By the end of this module participants will be able to:
- provide research based justification for the use of formative assessments.
- understand and explain the difference between assessment "of learning" and assessment "for learning".
- describe and implement a variety of formative assessment methods.
- incorporate these methods with Collins and Keys instructional practices.
- consider and articulate when, why and how to "grade" formative assessments.
Expected time to complete this module is 8-10 hours.
Module 4: Lesson Planning
“Be prepared” is a good motto for scouts - and teachers. A skillfully written plan is the first step toward a first-rate lesson. The purpose of this seven-lesson module on lesson planning is to provide an overview of lesson planning considerations, including the five elements of the NAPS best-practice lesson planning expectations.When planning lessons, teachers must consider a multitude of things, starting with what students already know, what they will learn, how they will learn, materials needed, vocabulary to practice, and the list goes on. As teachers become more intentional and more reflectiveabout their teaching, student learning improves. Teachers’ efforts are rewarded daily as their students engage and learn through the activities they have thoughtfully planned.
By the end of this module participants will be able to:
1. describe the benefits of careful planning and reflection
2.unpack a standard
3. write student learning objectives with varying DOK levels
4. create formative assessments for the student learning objectives
5. report on new instructional practices relevant to their own work
6. make a plan to incorporate differentiated instruction techniques into their practice
Expected time to complete this module is 6-8 hours.
Module 5: Universal Design for Learning
This Module will introduce the teacher to the concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is an approach to lesson planning and instruction that assists teachers in meeting the needs of the diverse learners in their classroom. UDL suggests that in planning we include multiple means of representation (different ways to present the material), multiple means of action/expression (different ways for students to demonstrate their mastery of the material), and multiple means of engagement (different ways for students to interact with the course materials). This module will review each of these areas, and provide opportunities to practice the techniques for removing obstacles to learning.
By the end of this module participants will be able to:
1. define Universal Design for Learning.
2. remove obstacles to learning in a lesson plan.
3. plan for learner variability in a lesson plan.
4. create a mini-unit that demonstrates understanding ofUDL.
Expected time to complete this module is 12-15 hours.