1. PLC Interdisciplinary Learning

2. My teaching style:

3. Who are we and why are we here? • Profile of the ideal Randolph faculty member: • Willingness to change and learn • Flexibility • Self-reflection • Rigor • Collaborating within disciplines and grades • Sharing ideas and suggestions, knowledge of kids • Caring about students; understanding the whole child • Support from other faculty and staff • Strong knowledge base for your discipline • Life-long learner • Adapting to and embracing change • Creative

4. Who are we and why are we here? • Prior interdisciplinary experiences • 7th Grade Geography—inquiry semester of culture, geography, and literature (this year) • 6th Grade—ancient civilizations, language arts and history (this year) • Involving other teachers, sometimes not involving other teachers; scheduling is the biggest obstacle • Jigsaw projects, resources pulled from many areas of the library, fitting together in several classes • No one wants to give up their stuff. • Using graph skills from math class in science experiments • History of math • Plan a trip to Beijing with a budget • Benefits: • Builds bridges between subjects • Relevance to real life • Shows that all subjects work together • Differentiated learning—science might be the hook for a history lesson

5. Who are we and why are we here? • How does interdisciplinary education fit into our school’s mission statement? Seeking Truth : Building Character : Nurturing AllRandolph School provides a rigorous and well-rounded K-12 college preparatory education within a nurturing community. Through a commitment to excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics, the School’s program and its faculty demand diligence and discipline while encouraging creativity and discovery. Above all, the School emphasizes honor, integrity, and character so that all in partnership with Randolph are elevated and inspired to enrich their families, communities, the nation, and the world.

6. Who are we and why are we here? • How does interdisciplinary education fit into our school’s mission statement?

7. Past, Present, and Future of I-D Education at Randolph • What questions should we attempt to answer this year? • What hinders further I-D learning at Randolph? • Schedule • Physical spaces • Resources—one book set; lack of age-appropriate technology; two grade levels can’t research at the same time • Resistance to change • Turf wars/habitual planning—”Who’s driving the car?” The students? • Student leadership? Student needs? Student interest? • Time • Control or guiding? • Parent expectations; education? • Grading? • Rethink assessment. How? Why? Should it only be evidence of learning?

8. Past, Present, and Future of I-D Education at Randolph • How do we set a good example? • Highlight what we are doing—student reactions • Create a clear, concise definition with multiple examples • Wayside teaching • Doesn’t have to be a huge project • Combining age levels • Create a “Big Idea” for each grade level each year? Three Cups of Tea? • Communicate • Atlas • What questions should we attempt to answer this year? • What other goals should we set for the year?

9. For next time • Think through answers for our questions. • Other goals? • When and where will we meet? (off campus?) • October after Fall Break • Visit each other’s classes? • Email a copy of your schedule to everyone in the group • If you have a lesson that might connect with someone else in the group, please share. • Try to finish your unit calendars in Atlas ASAP, so we can connect with one another.