Middle School Social Studies

September 19, 2007

Department Meeting

Moving From Good To Great…

We do very well in a state with very high standards

Well, maybe not very high, but at least we’re not from South Carolina.

Teamwork and Relationship Building

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.

The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward

organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to

attain uncommon results.”

- Andrew Carnegie

What is a Professional Learning Community?

Professional Learning Community

A PLC is composed of collaborative teams whose members work interdependently to achieve common goals linked to the purpose of learning for all.

P.3 Learning by Doing

Key Components of a PLC

Focus on Learning

Collaborative Culture – “OUR kids”

Critical Questions

Collective Inquiry/Action – best practices

Results Orientation – data analysis, goal setting

WHAT DO WE WANT STUDENTS TO KNOW?

HOW WILL WE KNOW THEY HAVE LEARNED IT?

WHAT WILL WE DO WHEN THEY HAVEN’T LEARNED IT?

HOW WILL WE EXTEND AND ENRICH FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO HAVE LEARNED IT?

Building On Past Success

Think, Pair, Share

1. How is the PLC concept described similar to what we currently do in our buildings and in the social studies department?

2. How is the PLC concept described different from what we currently do in our buildings and in the social studies department?

What is the relationship between department work and building level work?

Both levels Focused on 4

essential questions

Work toward department, building, district goals

Department work Determine essential

knowledge and skills for all kids (curriculum)

Use data to determine program strengths and weaknesses

Set the direction for PLC work

Support development of formative and summative assessments

Building PLC Work The nitty-gritty work Share lessons, units,

assessments Use data to determine

student learning and instructional strengths and weaknesses

Develop and implement strategies to achieve goals

What does this mean for me?

How might the PLC process positively impact your students or you as a teacher?

What concerns do you have as we move forward?

MS Social Studies Goals for June 2008

Developed by MS SS Leadership Team Establish norms as a department Set SMART goals around 8th grade exam Establish common understanding of

essential skills and content for grade 6/7/8 (focus on outcomes, gaps, transitions)

Norm Setting: Why?

Every group has norms that govern individual behavior and impact how the group operates

These norms don’t always facilitate the work of the group and help the group accomplish tasks

By setting our norms early we can establish norms that

– Ensure all individuals have the opportunity to contribute;– Increase productivity and effectiveness; and– Facilitate the achievement of group goals.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed

citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing

that ever has.”– Margaret Mead

Ticket Out The Door

1 thought/idea you will take with you from this meeting

1 Question or concern

1 Thing that you would like or need from the lead teachers or administrators