California Partnership Academy

Educating for Careers Conference 2012Developing Integrated

Curriculum Units Through Backwards Planning

Dr. Kami DexterFebruary 14th, 2011

Convention Center Room 3131:15pm-2:30pm

o NAME___________________________o POSITION ________________________o INDUSTRY SECTOR _________________o EXPERIENCE WITH CURRICULUM

INTEGRATION _____________________

WELCOME1:15: Integrated Curriculum Description1:30: Design: Ideal vs. Challenges1:45: Backwards Planning/Industry Sectors2:00: Q&A/Outlining Units2:15: Sharing samples  

INTEGRATED CURRICULUM: An instructional method and materials for multidisciplinary teams of teachers to organize their instruction so that students are encouraged to make meaningful connections across subject areas.

English, mathematics, science, social studies, and career technical teachers all collaborate to plan and present lessons that center around a central, career–themed issue or problem.

http://youtu.be/9VzhStQwQSI

Characteristics of Effective Multidisciplinary Integrated Curriculum

• Academic and Technical Rigor—addresses key learning standards

• Authenticity—embedded in real-world context• Applied Learning— fosters career competencies: teamwork, problem-solving, communication• Active Exploration—extends beyond the classroom:

internships, field-based investigations • Adult Connections— includes mentors and coaches

from community and industry/postsecondary partners.

http://www.connectedcalifornia.org/video/?video=cart

The Benefits of Integrated Curriculum:Student Experiences

INTEGRATED CURRICULUM UNITSIDEAL VS. PRACTICAL

IDEAL• All students travel together across all course

subjects• Extra instructional time and access is

available for project-based learning

• Each subject teacher is a member of the academy/instructional team

LESS THAN IDEAL • Students are in different math and science

classes• Instructional time is limited• Not all teachers are “on board”

(Ideal) SAMPLES Good Eats

Crime Scene Investigation

Green Design

- One entire year- Lessons can be done throughout the year- All academy-based classes

PRACTICAL (Modifications) Start with a manageable amount of time

Determine length of time required for final project completion and build backwards to determine each necessary

lesson prior to projectInclude less subjects in integration

Certain pathways lend themselves to certain subjects (Science is very easily integrated with Health/Nutrition/Biomedical careers; Social Studies and ELA are more easily connected to Arts, Media, and EntertainmentHave alternate final projects for students not in CTE course

Depending on your academy or instructional model, all students may or may not be able to complete final

project together in one course

1. Start with a project…• Identify a learning outcome specific to your industry sector• Connect an essential driving question to the final project• (ex: Social Justice PSA: How has the media

been involved in shaping issues of social justice?*Determine course (CTE?) for project completion and all teachers involved will participate in assessment

2. Build backwards…What foundation knowledge would inform the creation of that project?• Create subunit outline for each subject• Identify connections to final project

Creating Integrated Curriculum Unitsthrough Backwards Planning

SAMPLE FINAL PROJECTSo Agriculture & Natural Resources: Present school garden proposal

o Arts, Media & Entertainment: Create persuasive social justice PSA

o Building Trades and Construction: Design and construct class storage areas

o Education, Child Dev. &Family Services: Develop after school program

o Energy & Utilities: Evaluate current practices at school site & present findings

o Engineering & Design: Design LEED-certified add-on to school site

o Fashion and Interior Design: Create line of clothing /home furnishings

o Finance & Business: Develop and manage community or school-based company

o Health Science & Medical Technology: Create “healthy eating” school campaign

o Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation: Create and “sell” community “vacation”

o Information Technology: Develop consulting group to assess school lab

http://www.ctemathlessons.com/

MATH INTEGRATIONOccupational Area: Agriculture CTE Concept(s): Supply and Demand of Ag Products Math Concepts: Linear equations

Occupational Area: Health SciencesCTE Concept(s): CPRMath Concepts: Right triangles

Occupational Area: Nutrition and Food CTE Concept(s): Digestion and Nutrition in MealsMath Concepts: Use line and x-, y- graphs to analyze meals

Occupational Area: Culinary ArtsCTE Concepts: Weights and measures Math Concepts: Linear equations with one and two variables

Share your sample unit and describe:

• Industry Sector/CTE focus?

• Final project?

• All subjects in unit?

SAMPLES?

QUESTIONS/COMMENTSDEXTERK@CENTINELA.K12.CA.US

http://www.ucop.edu/ucci/

If you’re interested, see above- great opportunity!