Clustering Standards in Integrated Units presents frameworks and other instruments to aid both seasoned and novice teacher professionals in designing interdisciplinary instruction by: Developing learning activities that are aligned with instructional goals and standards Selecting appropriate instructional materials and resources that spark interest and facilitate individual connections to promote meaning and understanding Evaluating student performance using an instrument that recognizes students' varied approaches to learning, knowledge bases, and cultural and language backgrounds while maintaining high expectations for all. The book offers sample rubrics, templates, strategies for organizing a unit, and blackline masters for each of the planning instruments discussed. Educators will learn to: Plan and implement units that integrate content across multiple curriculum areas Make instruction meaningful through the use of new information learned about the brain Develop interdisciplinary lesson plans
Diane Ronis is a professor of education at Southern Connecticut State University and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. Her drive to make learning meaningful to all students comes from 17 years of teaching middle school and high school mathematics and fine arts as well as eight years of experience instructing preservice teachers at the college and graduate level. Ronis has been a presenter and keynote speaker at numerous conferences, workshops and seminars, and is the author of Brain Compatible Mathematics, Brain Compatible Assessments, Critical Thinking in Math, Problem Based Learning for Math & Science: Integrating Inquiry and the Internet, and Clustering Standards in Integrated Units.
Preface Introduction Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Unit Components: Tools for Building Units 2. Organizing Instruction for Meaning: Planning for Learning and Achievement 3. How to Build a Better Rubric: Developing a Unit Assessment Plan 4. Unit Panorama: Using the Unit Planning Map and the Unit Overview 5. The Interdisciplinary Lesson Plan: Facilitating Investigation Appendix I. Content Area Standards Appendix II. Planning Forms Bibliography Index
"This book provides a wealth of information for teachers who are seeking new ways to meet the needs of all learners for high academic achievement!" -- Marguerita K. DeSander, Assistant Professor of Leadership and Policy Studies "Utilizing this book as part of the alignment process will greatly enhance any classroom curriculum!" -- Joen M. Painter, Consultant "This resource is easy to use, a quick read, and contains many useful graphics and rubrics." -- Nancy Betler, Teacher Mentor "From sample rubrics and reproducibles to understanding how to meet individual student learning needs-and how to empower them to choose the right paths-this book is an excellent choice for experienced or new teachers who want to encourage collaborative student learning styles." -- The Bookwatch, November 2007
