Unit Proposal Examples 10-11-04
EXAMPLE 1
Description of the Goal(s)
For 1.0 units: A group of grade level teachers design multi-step problem-solving activities which incorporate pictures, words, and symbols for students to complete.
Rationale for the Goal
A study of WKCE test scores indicated that students' performance generally dropped when required to problem-solve using pictures and words.
Plan for Assessment/Documentation of Achieving the Goal
Teachers will maintain examples of student work for monitoring progress over time. Students maintain and submit learning log of their progress over time.
Description of Activities and Timelines
Activities will be implemented during the first half (semester) of the year. A pre- and a post-test will be given to students to document progress. The group will monitor students' progress, discuss strategies that worked and did not work, gain ideas from colleagues, and implement ideas for student progress. Submission of evidence of documentation along with reflection of adjustments made over time.
EXAMPLE 2
Description of the Goal(s)
For 0.5 units: A group of grade level teachers completes a book study using a research-based book on Six-Trait Writing which incorporates monthly meetings and discussions. Teachers will maintain personal learning logs to document what has been learned.
For 1.0 units: In addition to completing a book study, the group of teachers designs a series of lessons which incorporate targeted activities into the curriculum which emphasize the traits of ideas and organization.
Rationale for the Goal
Student work samples demonstrate a need for improvement in students' writing in the areas of ideas and organization.
Plan for Assessment/Documentation of Achieving the Goal
Teachers will maintain examples of student work for monitoring progress over time. Students will use grade level writing rubrics to evaluate their own work for ideas and organization.
Description of Activities and Timelines
The book study will meet monthly over the course of the school year. The fall district writing sample will be compared with mid-year and end-of-year writing samples to document progress. Student evaluations of their own progress will be maintained in writing portfolios.
EXAMPLE 3
Description of the Goal(s)
For 1.0 units: A group of special education teachers designs math assessments on money and time based on a task analysis of the skills needed in those areas (as defined by District benchmarks). This will result in a bank of assessments which can be used with their students.
Rationale for the Goal
Special education students do poorly on tests of money and time as demonstrated by grade level math chapter tests' scores and WKCE test scores.
Plan for Assessment/Documentation of Achieving the Goal
Special education students will complete informal and formal assessments of a continuum of math skills targeting money and time taught during small group instruction over the course of the school year. Students will chart and graph their own test scores to demonstrate evidence of their progress in these areas.
Description of Activities and Timelines
Following a task analysis of skills needed to complete problem-solving activities in the areas of time and money, special education teachers will design assessments for students. Students scoring less than proficient (3 out of 4) will receive further instruction and guided practice. Special education teachers will meet throughout the school year to discuss and compare successful and unsuccessful strategies used in the instruction of their students.
EXAMPLE 4
Description of the Goal(s)
(For additional 0.5 units ) In addition to attending a workshop/staff development with a product for classroom implementation (which earns 0.5 units ), staff member makes a presentation to colleagues.
Rationale for the Goal
After looking at the data from reading comprehension assessments, teacher realizes that students need to improve in the area of inferencing. Teacher was pleased with student progress and wants to share with others in their building.
Plan for Assessment/Documentation of Achieving the Goal
Teacher maintains records of student progress throughout the project and shares the results with colleagues.
Description of Activities and Timelines
After attending the workshop or conference, the teacher presents the results of what they did in the classroom and with other colleagues at a staff meeting. Handouts are prepared and shared if applicable.