Launch of New Curriculum Units
The first unit of study designed by CCSD59 teachers utilizing a standards-based approach was introduced to teachers this month, and teachers spent half the day during the October 20 Institute Day preparing for the launch of the new unit. The units of study were created using a design process called Understanding by Design (UbD) and feature:
- Authentic and complex assessment tasks
- Real life applications
- Integration of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in an authentic context
- Opportunities for choice, inquiry, critical thinking, and argumentation
- Deliberate and intentional focus on the skills and knowledge required for success in the unit
During the other half of the October 20 Institute Day, teachers had a chance to hear a live presentation by Grant Wiggins, co-author of UbD, in order to reinforce how this design process promotes learning, understanding, and transfer. While Dr. Wiggins was in the district, he recorded a short segment to help parents understand our approach.
To learn more, we invite you to watch the video above featuring Dr. Grant Wiggins.
We are still in the early phase of creating and implementing a standards-aligned curriculum, and it will continue to be a major focus in CCSD59 for the next few years. For more information about the shifts taking place as we incorporate a more rigorous and relevant instructional program, please see these links to pages from our website.
Future of Teaching and Learning in District 59
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment