|
Integrating language arts/ social studies classes-
What’s it all about? - One of the challenges facing education today is the need to develop students who have the necessary critical thinking and reading skills for the amount and variety of information so readily accessible in today’s world. Knowledge is found not only through textbooks but through magazines, newspapers, the Internet as well as non-fiction sources. Literacy skills have always been a primary focus in education but today information literacy is critical for students’ success not only in school but beyond. This challenge requires schools to rethink instructional approaches and effective use of the time we have to educate students. With this in mind District 47 is restructuring the instructional framework by blocking language arts/social studies. By teaching language arts and social studies in a block of time with the same teacher, instructional time toward developing critical reading skills in both language arts and social studies can be maximized.
What is meant by teaching language arts and social studies as a “block”? - In 7th and 8th grade students will have the same teacher for both language arts and social studies in a 126 minute block of time. Currently students receive 80 minutes of language arts and 40 minutes of social studies. Combining the two subjects provides an additional 6 minutes of instructional time and allows teachers to integrate and link social studies content with literacy activities such as read-aloud, writing assignments, literature selections and group discussions. Besides using social studies textbooks and non-fiction materials as tools for learning content, teachers will be able to use these same
materials for reading instruction and teaching explicit comprehension strategies for reading non-fiction texts. These subjects are already taught using this instructional model in 6th grade and 7th and 8th grade gifted classes.
One of the important goals of education is to produce civic-minded citizens for the future. Isn’t it also important for students to learn about people and places in history, politics, geography and economics in order to become informed citizens? - District 47 remains committed to providing quality social studies instruction.
Students and teachers will follow the 7th and 8th curriculum standards as adopted by the school board and aligned with Illinois State Standards which include an emphasis on United States history and state and federal constitutions. A
|
|
minimum of 40 minutes of daily instructional time will still be dedicated to teaching social studies content. Supporting a student’s ability to read textbooks and other informational material with greater proficiency and independence will promote greater student interest in social studies and non-fiction reading and help them learn even more about the world around them.
What type of training is necessary to prepare
teachers for the language arts/social studies classroom?
In order to be certified to teach this type of class, a teacher must have the equivalent of 18 college hours of language arts and nine college hours of social studies. In addition,
District 47 will provide staff development, coursework, and mentorship for all staff members involved.
Will it be difficult for students to stay with the same teacher for 126 minutes? Can students really stay on task for such a long time? - Elementary and 6th grade
students already experience these class lengths. Students in today’s classrooms are no longer confined to sit and passively receive information. Today’s classrooms involve students collaborating and problem-solving together as well as working independently. Teachers use small groups, whole class, and individual conferences to engage and encourage students to become active participants in their learning. Our middle school language arts curriculum emphasizes student choice of their own books for independent reading, writing for a variety of purposes, small group book discussions, and conferencing with the teacher or other students about reading and writing. Social studies curriculum includes debate, discussion, research, and reading texts that connect to content topics as appropriate. Teachers will continue to provide breaks as needed and shifts in subject matter and activity to maintain student interest.
|
