OUSD School Transformation Collaborative:
Spring 2017 Cohort
Sample Learning Environment
Our Solution Prototype
Students will be given access to an adaptive math software and a differentiated playlist of learning activities for at least one full unit of content that allows them to acquire new knowledge and skills at their own pace each week.
To accelerate progress, the playlist will also include frequent online checks for understanding and “mastery tasks” that give students real-time feedback on their work. Students will select their path through the playlist and set their pace with the adaptive math software.
Our Design Challenge
How might we give students control over the pace of instruction to accelerate their academic progress, while at the same time, providing multiple pathways for acheiving their learning goals?
Our Solution Prototype
Students will be given access to an adaptive math software and a differentiated playlist of learning activities for at least one full unit of content that allows them to acquire new knowledge and skills at their own pace each week.
To accelerate progress, the playlist will also include frequent online checks for understanding and “mastery tasks” that give students real-time feedback on their work. Students will select their path through the playlist and set their pace with the adaptive math software.
Our Design Challenge
How might we give students control over the pace of instruction to accelerate their academic progress, while at the same time, providing multiple pathways for acheiving their learning goals?
Our Solution Prototype
Students will engage in two different types of learning blocks for reading and writing, each lasting approximately one hour. These blocks may follow one another, or may be separated in time.
Workshop Block
In the first block, students engage in a basic version or either reader's or writer's workshop. This block includes:
-
A teacher mini-lesson
-
Opportunities for independent practice, and
-
Targeted teacher support through 1:1 conferences or small group instruction.
Learning Stations Block
In the second block, students are either assigned to or choose a variety of independent, partner, technology-enabled, or teacher-led learning activities that target their individual needs.
Our Design Challenge
How might we combine rigorous reading & writing instruction with differentiated learning activities to meet a range of student needs and interests?
Reading Stations
Students follow individualized learning pathway consisting of one or more of the following activities: guided reading with Newsela, vocab on Quizlet, partner reading and a listening station.
2
Five Key Features of the ELA Prototype
Reader's Workshop
Students participate in a teacher-driven, whole-class mini-lesson on a reading skill or strategy. Students then read independently to practice, while the teacher conferences 1:1 with students to provide targeted support.
1
Writer's Workshop
Students participate in a teacher-driven, whole-class mini-lesson on a writing skill. Students then work independently on a piece of writing, while the teacher conferences 1:1 with students to provide individual feedback and support.
3
Writing Stations
Students follow individualized learning pathways consisting of one or more of the following: grammar practice using No Red INk, teacher office hours and peer feedback.
4
Learner Profiles & Goal-Setting
Once teachers are comfortable with the first 4 stages of the prototype, they will gradually release control to students. Students will develop individual learner profiles to set their learning goals and choose the most appropriate pathways.
5
