March 7, 2011
Grade level teams examined field testing data. Many teachers are still in the process of completing their field test so data was limited as of date. Teachers spent the day revisiting grade level scope and sequence documents editing for errors, revising for clarity, and adding specifics to construct helpful teaching guides. We had a brief discussion of what to prepare and expect at the Preview Open House on Friday, March 11, 2011.
January 10, 2011
Grade level teams continued the process of completing a detailed AIM review on all materials that generally aligned with the Washington State Science Learning Standards EALR's and were moved through the initial screen. All materials were reviewed at this time or during prior work periods outside of these meetings. The AIM pilot process and rubrics were presented and discussed in detail. The team determined weighting score percentages for each of the field test areas. Individuals recorded their thinking first and the grade level teams negotiated a percentage score. The parameters for the selection of field test sites was shared with the group: to be done at all grade levels for all materials, full district coverage, teachers other than those on this team must participate in all reviews.
December 13, 2010
The Material Selection group collaborated to develop a plan for the next MDSD teacher professional development sessions in January. Once a plan was set, the team continued working in grade level teams on the detailed AIM review on all materials that moved on from the initial screening process. This screening process comprised a majority of the meeting. Grade level teams decided to coordinate additional time to meet to and finish this screening process prior to the next meeting in order to ensure adequate preparation time for field testing stage.
November 16, 2010
The team examined the MDSD teacher Zoomerang Survey results on the questions regarding the Elementary Scope and Sequence documents. The team worked hard to do an initial screening of materials from relating to their grade level. All members of the team agreed upon all scoring decisions and adjusted their set of rubrics to reflect our discussion. These rubrics (Standards Alignment, Work Student Do, Assessment, Work Teachers Do) will be used throughout the rest of the detailed paper screen. Teachers received training on AIM process and rubric calibration. Grade level teams broke up to begin the process of completing a detailed AIM review on all materials that generally aligned with the Washington State Science Learning Standards EALR's and were moved through the initial screen.
November 8, 2010
The group discussed and learned the characteristics of standards/research based instructional materials.The team received professional development training in the AIM process. Teachers were introduced to the AIM process and Content Rubrics to begin the initial screening process to assess which materials align to district grade level standards.
October 21, 2010
The team met to establish Norms of Collaboration. Additionally, each grade level did a comprehensive review the Elementary Scope and Sequence documents in regard to coverage of standards across each grade band. The Core Concepts for each grade level were identified and development of these concepts across grade K-5 was reviewed and reported upon. Teachers also received professional development in inquiry.