March 7, 2019 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Curriculum Committee Meeting

Key Points of the Briefing:

• We updated the music curriculum to reflect the 2014 National Core Arts Standards focusing on K-5 General Music curriculum, Ensembles Novice curriculum, and Ensembles Intermediate curriculum

• The global competencies are embedded within the curriculum

• We restructured courses into levels: Ensembles novice, intermediate, proficient, and advanced

• Each performing ensemble (String Orchestra, Band, Chorus) share common units, standards, while varying their objectives, instructional strategies and assessments

• Opportunities for common assessments and performance assessments are provided to students which help inform our teaching practices

• We are working to ensure vertical alignment of the curriculum

Key Points of the Briefing:

Per the district’s Strategic Plan, our goal is to expand opportunities for personalized learning. Personalized learning embodies several essential elements such as:

1. Flexible, anytime, everywhere learning

2. Redefine teacher role and expand "teacher" to facilitator

3. Project-based, authentic learning

4. Student-driven learning path

5. Mastery-based progression

Currently we offer an Education Pathway, Global Studies Pathway, Career and Technical Readiness Pathway, Business Pathway, and a Health Care Pathway.  We are now proposing a new Arts Pathway at Bethel High School which will include either a:

• Music Concentration in one of the following- music performance, music education, or music production

• Visual Arts Concentration in one of the following- general art and art education, drawing and illustration, 2D design, 3D design, photography, or graphic design

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Key Points of the Briefing:

1. Bethel High School Math Course Order Rearrangement

   1. Shifting to Algebra I, Algebra II, and then Geometry

      1. Improve continuity of algebraic instruction and better align with science courses

   2. Applied Math Experiences

      1. Instead of PreAlgebra, “Algebra I, 10,11,12”, Informal Geometry and Algebra II 33 for some populations of students, we are piloting applied courses, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Financial Algebra I, and Financial Algebra II

      2. Integrated Math I & II will combine PreAlgebra, Algebra I and practical Geometry standards.  These classes will use an applied approach, with a focus on problem solving and a lesser emphasis on abstract calculations. (These courses are not intended to prepare students for SATs or College Algebra.)

      3. FInancial Algebra I and Financial Algebra II will teach common core standards in the context of financial applications.  The courses will leverage technology such as Desmos and Google Sheets. (These courses are not intended to prepare students for SATs or College Algebra.)

      4. Financial Algebra II will be open to all seniors.  This will increase senior options for students who take Algebra II as juniors.  Options include PreCalc & Trig for students moving on to higher level math; Math IV for students who are college bound and want to improve their algebra skills in order to pass a college placement test and to prepare for College Algebra, and Financial Algebra II which is intended for students who want a more practical math class.  

      5. Students taking any Financial Algebra course can substitute it for Personal Finance credit.

   3. Elementary Discrete Math - UConn ECE - New opportunity (already approved by the Board) for students to get College Math Credit.  Discrete Math can be taken in conjunction with PreCalc & Trig or Math IV.

1. Bethel High School Culinary

   1. Baking course pilot -- looking to begin redefining our culinary classes

   2. New teacher going through extensive course at Johnson and Wales- focused not only on baking but cooking as well

   3. Looking to upgrade our culinary space using Perkins grant funding

1. Bethel Middle School Math pilot

   1. Illustrative Math- Open Educational Resource (OER) moving away from Big Ideas

      1. Vetted through Ed Reports- aligned to CCSS

      2. Same “layering” concept as Bridges