departmentalization rocks!
DESCRIPTION
Departmentalization in elementary schools can truly make a difference for student achievement in your school or district.TRANSCRIPT
Departmentalization Rocks!
We have specialists in the areas of Music, Physical Education, Art, and Media Services – Why not create specialists in the areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies?
“Isn’t the improvement of the learning process for elementary school children worth the risk of trying it?” --Tak Cheung Chan & Delbert Jarman
Are you a “super teacher” or “super overworked teacher”?
“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” ---John Wooden
Are your ISTEP scores where you want them to be?
Are students excited about Social Studies & becoming better writers?
Do you spend more time putting out fires than teaching?
Is science something you fit in when you can?
Do you and your colleagues share what works best each day of instruction?
Do you spend more time planning for instruction in subjects you know the least about?
What kid doesn’t get excited about shooting off rockets in science?
Test scores in 5th grade science from 17% passing to 42% passing in one year!
Intentional, on task instruction in each subject area every day for each student
Focused time on planning instruction in a subject you love to teach
Increased engagement in each subject for every student
Personality conflicts among teachers and students are minimized
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” ---Helen Keller
“Shake up the Status Quo” by Robert Marzano
Propose new ideasOperate from strong
beliefsCreate explicit goals
for changeDefine success in
terms of goalsCollegiality and
professionalism
Teaching your passion!Subject area you loveConcentrate on fewer
standards/strategiesCreative planningFocus on fewer ideasBecome an expert in
your subject areaHone teaching skills
with best practices
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ---Nelson Mandela If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn. ---Ignacio Estrada
TeachersTeachers willing to work
togetherIdea sharingMore heads are better
than one Management/discipline
supportLessened opportunities for
teacher/student conflictsInstructional time is better
utilized
Greater chance of academic success in their favorite class
More opportunities to be understood by teachers
Higher engagement in subject areas
Little tracking, just increased focus on subject areas
Exposure to different teaching styles & personalities
Teamwork Required . . Students
Team members who can work togetherGuidelines for consistent student managementAdministrator who is good with creative
schedulingCompromises are necessary among staffYour schedule is “sacred”; maintaining equitable,
intentional, instruction time is non-negotiableBe prepared to “eat crow” & lose a battle once in
a while
Plan ahead to decrease challenges…
Implementation Strategies… Administrative support Teachers willing to change &
be part of a strong team Find teachers with a passion
for their subject A building schedule to support
the plan & implementation Plan on compromise & lots of
meetings Convince team members they
will be a huge part of student success
Maintain the integrity of the schedule and daily instruction
Chan, T. C. & Jarman, D. (2004, September, ). Departmentalize Elementary Schools. Principal.
Bibliography
Donna M. SmithMedia Program Coordinator
Forest Manor Professional Development Center
4501 E. 32nd StreetIndianapolis, Indiana 46218
317-690-8657 [email protected]