Overcoming Curriculum Pacing Guides, i.e., Marching Orders
The best-case scenario is the elimination of these pacing guides.
All teachers really need is to know are the specific content standards and skills that are to be taught - and learned - in their particular course and/or grade level. The teachers need the freedom to design high level projects, and these pacing guides usually interfere by placing a straitjacket on teachers when it comes to planning and teaching creatively.
If your district has pacing guides which dictate the specific content standards and skills to be taught for each discipline, either in a six-week or a quarterly format, it is a problem, but not impossible. You can still take the standards required for that six weeks, or the quarter, and create high level, creative projects for your students.
If you are in a situation that dictates daily, or even to-the-minute, activities - for example, requiring that you be on page number 123 in a specific textbook on a certain date, then your only option is to take a proactive position. Prepare your case, and make a proposal for change.
Request a temporary waiver from the pacing guide. Many states requested and obtained waivers from NCLB. There is no reason why, if you present your case well, you should not be allowed to obtain a waiver from the district-mandated curriculum pacing guides. You can present it as a pilot test. Gather your data in the form of:
Then you can present the results afterward which will include:
You will need sufficient time to implement and fine tune the process over time. If you are unsure of how to design and implement such a project you should request some professional development and instructional coaching to support you on this journey. Even the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic of teachers require at least three years to really "get it", to become truly proficient in project-based learning. It's a process.
Go to #3 - Overcoming the Obstacles of a Lack of Planning Time
All teachers really need is to know are the specific content standards and skills that are to be taught - and learned - in their particular course and/or grade level. The teachers need the freedom to design high level projects, and these pacing guides usually interfere by placing a straitjacket on teachers when it comes to planning and teaching creatively.
If your district has pacing guides which dictate the specific content standards and skills to be taught for each discipline, either in a six-week or a quarterly format, it is a problem, but not impossible. You can still take the standards required for that six weeks, or the quarter, and create high level, creative projects for your students.
If you are in a situation that dictates daily, or even to-the-minute, activities - for example, requiring that you be on page number 123 in a specific textbook on a certain date, then your only option is to take a proactive position. Prepare your case, and make a proposal for change.
Request a temporary waiver from the pacing guide. Many states requested and obtained waivers from NCLB. There is no reason why, if you present your case well, you should not be allowed to obtain a waiver from the district-mandated curriculum pacing guides. You can present it as a pilot test. Gather your data in the form of:
- Your PBL21 Project Plans, including content standards
- Student portfolios - have student create online portfolios with samples of their work as well as their comments and observations.
- Teacher portfolio - create an online portfolio for your work including your documentation and observations.
- Photos and videos of student products
- Student grades
- Interviews with students and parents
- Formative and summative assessments of student learning - including quick quizzes on various skills and content knowledge.
- Teacher anecdotal observations
- Records of student behaviors
Then you can present the results afterward which will include:
- Higher levels of student motivation and engagement
- Higher levels of student learning and achievement
- Reduction or elimination of "discipline" problems
- Higher rates of student attendance
- Positive parental feedback
- Higher test scores
You will need sufficient time to implement and fine tune the process over time. If you are unsure of how to design and implement such a project you should request some professional development and instructional coaching to support you on this journey. Even the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic of teachers require at least three years to really "get it", to become truly proficient in project-based learning. It's a process.
Go to #3 - Overcoming the Obstacles of a Lack of Planning Time
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Are you ready to re-imagine and totally transform your campus or district into one that is truly 21st century, but you aren't sure how?
21st Century Schools is ready and willing to support you in that mission! Contact Anne Shaw, Director at 21st Century Schools, to find out how we can help you!
In the meantime, please see our Products and Services!
Are you ready to re-imagine and totally transform your campus or district into one that is truly 21st century, but you aren't sure how?
21st Century Schools is ready and willing to support you in that mission! Contact Anne Shaw, Director at 21st Century Schools, to find out how we can help you!
In the meantime, please see our Products and Services!
