WMSPD1-9-12

=WMS Professional Development on 1/9/12=

WMS Redesign Planning
To view the mission and vision as a Word document, click here --> [|WMS Mission and Vision with suggested revisions accepted on 1-5-12.doc] To view the faculty comments and suggestions on the mission and visions, click here --> [|WMS Mission and Vision with suggested revisions with comments from faculty on 1-9-12.doc]

DRAFT Mission
The mission of Windham Middle School is to provide a comprehensive and rigorous interdisciplinary learning environment with a strong focus on the sciences, technology and the arts as aligned with current state and national standards. We nurture behaviors of respect, responsibility and pride by promoting communication and collaboration in our diverse learning community. Comments:
 * Focus on Science, Technology and the Arts
 * Like the focus on our diverse learning community

DRAFT Vision
In order to maximize student success, we will foster a sense of community that establishes structures and promotes positive relationships while nurturing the strengths and interests of each individual student. // Faculty and staff will: // // Students will: // // Parents/Guardians will: //
 * Establish rigorous expectations across all settings and disciplines
 * Create and deliver interdisciplinary lessons that are engaging and lead students to learn through inquiry, collaborative learning and authentic demonstration of mastery
 * Plan and implement units of instruction that are sequenced vertically through the grades and integrate the use of technology in all areas
 * Provide elective encore classes that offer extension and authentic application in support of core instruction
 * Use frequent, scientifically-based common assessments and standard evaluation measures to analyze student growth to inform instruction
 * Differentiate instruction to address student strengths and needs so that every student will achieve at a high level
 * Communicate academic and social achievements and/or needs in a proactive and constructive manner with students and their parents
 * Come to school each day prepared to actively engage in learning and to follow school standards for behavior
 * Identify interests and talents and incorporate their learning styles and strengths in their Student Success Plans
 * Apply focused work habits and study skills in order to complete daily and long term assignments to high standards
 * Interact in a positive, responsible and respectful manner with all students, staff and members of the community
 * Establish and maintain an active partnership to support their child’s growth and development
 * Communicate questions or concerns in a proactive and constructive manner with appropriate school personnel
 * Attend conferences regarding student academic progress
 * Attend relevant informational meetings, performances and events that are designed to increase understanding of school initiatives and celebrate student accomplishments

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
>> [] >> []
 * Standards Page on this Wiki (includes links to the CSDE Crosswalks): http://ctteams.wikispaces.com/Standards
 * CCCS PowerPoint Presentation: [|CCSS PowerPoint for 1-9-12.ppt]
 * [|NEATE Common Core Presentation]
 * CCSS Homepage: []
 * **CCSS for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects:**
 * CCSS for English LA & Literacy: []
 * English Language Arts & Literacy Appendix A (Research, Key Elements, & Glossary): []
 * English Language Arts & Literacy Appendix B (Text Exemplars & Performance Tasks):
 * English Language Arts & Literacy Appendix C (Samples of Student Writing):
 * Mathematics CCSS: []
 * Math Appendix A (Designing HS Math Courses Based on CCSS): []

CCSS Performance Tasks Activity:
In your interdisciplinary team, review your assigned performance task and look at the English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects Standards. Find those standards that are aligned with your team's performance task. Using the Understanding by Design Overview Template ([|UBD Overview Template.doc]), discuss how you could create an interdisciplinary unit that would teach your students the skills and strategies they need to successfully complete the performance task. Talk about how you could embed The Arts and STEM in such an interdisciplinary unit. Start developing some enduring understandings and essential questions that students will be able to answer for this interdisciplinary unit,
 * **6 Gold Team:** Paul Revere's Ride: **[]**
 * **6 Teal Team:** The Building of Manhattan: []
 * **7 Gold Team:** The Great Fire
 * **7 Teal Team:** Sorry, Wrong Number
 * **8 Blue Team:** Math Trek: Adventures in the Math Zone
 * **8 Maroon Team:** Preamble and First Amendment
 * **Purple Team:** Travels with Charley: In Search of America