Developing our 9th Grade Program!

Wow! What a fantastic day of professional development! Today’s work was facilitated once again by Michelle Swanson and dedicated to developing our 9th Grade Hui Program. The Hui teaching teams were supported by Vice-Principal Diane Ayre, Counselor Terri Christensen, Special Ed Department Chair, Fred Rivera, our PCNC, Nancy Borilez and Mason Chock from Leadership Kaua’i.

After introductions and questions/concerns were discussed, Michelle shared a Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robinson making the case for a radical shift from standardized schools to personalized learning and creating conditions where kids' natural talents can flourish.

From here, the group jumped into thinking about student outcomes and norms to guide our collaborative work. We broke into teams, brainstormed and reported our findings out to the larger group. After lunch, Michelle recommended that we break into three groups. One would take charge of creating a working draft of norms, one would take a stab at drafting student outcomes and one group would work with Michelle to learn about ConnectEd. They provide a wonderful curriculum mapping tool to facilitate more effective and collaborative cross-discipline curriculum planning.

The student outcome group came up with the following working draft to guide our work. This draft will be refined as we move forward.

Student Outcomes

By the end of 9th grade, our students will:

1. Be active and respectful members of our academic community.
2. Meet literacy standards across all subjects.
3. Have a purposeful sense of direction.
4. Actively contribute to the greater community by completing a service project.
5. Demonstrate self-direction, self-management, self-monitoring and self-modifying skills.
6. Be comfortable using a wide variety of technology tools in an ethical manner.
7. Problem-solve and think critically.
8. Articulate how they are nurtured, supported and valued.

Teacher Norms – The 3 P’s

Professionalism
• Honesty and respect with empathy
• Communication and interaction with humor
• Honor each other’s strengths and challenges
• Limit Multi-tasking

Preparedness
• Structured planning and collaboration
• Spirit of collaboration with a sense of purpose to contribute to the group – “Giving Your All”
• No complaining without solutions
• Step Up/Step Back: No Hogs or Logs

Purpose
• Establish Expectations
• The heart of our work is guided by the best interests of the students.
• Consensus drives decision-making keeping the mission of the Hui in mind.
• Meaningful Meetings


As the day drew nearer to a close, we began some rich discussions about how we would frame our program by coming up with agreements in the areas of assignments formats, student materials & organization, homework and late work policies, and classroom behavior norms/expectations.

Michele closed the day by sharing a new lens through which to view curriculum planning and design in order to better achieve our college and career readiness goals for our students.

Much to think about and consider but we finally feel like we are taking concrete steps and moving from talk to action. We are really hoping Michelle can come back and help facilitate the continuation of our work on our two planning days scheduled for May 16th and 17th. Mahalo to all participants for an inspiring and productive day!