Professional Learning Teams (PLTs)

pathways for our students to explore both the depth and breadth of mathematics? Join us as we come together to evaluate our schools’ current mathematics programs, interrogate the values implicit in these programs, identify how students are (or are not) served by the status quo, and search for areas of potential growth. We will challenge and support each other in (1)formulating and articulating our values; (2) drafting plans and proposals; (3) examining the decisionmaking protocols and hierarchies within our respective schools to develop action plans; (4) communicating with stakeholders; and (5) planning for impact analysis. This PLT is for mathematics teachers who want to make broad curricular and programming changes at their schools and have some agency and influence in shaping their school’s overall mathematics program. Teachers from the same mathematics department are welcome and encouraged to attend together.

Why Do I Need to Know This? Using Storylines to Engage Students in Biology

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Marisa Miller and Jenny Yang

TUESDAYS, MAR 7, APR 4, MAY 9, JUN 13 MƒA  SCIENCE

How might we use storylines to engage students in the Living Environment or biology curriculum? Storyline units are an increasingly popular and enjoyable way to infuse meaningful and authentic learning experiences into curricula. Unlike isolated topic-based lessons, storyline units start with an anchoring phenomenon that introduces a problem or question. Each step in the unit is framed around addressing the original problem and any student-generated questions. In our first session, we’ll begin with an introduction to storyline units as we examine a few widely available exemplars (e.g., New Visions, NGSS). We’ll also share any previous experiences using storylines in our classrooms and then form groups based on content and interest. In subsequent sessions, we’ll work in these small groups to create or adapt a “story-a-lined” curriculum. In our final session, we’ll share our units, reflect on our work, and set goals for further iteration and development. This PLT is intended for any biology or Living Environment teacher.

Mini-Courses

Mini-Courses are a series of three connected workshops in which experts from academic institutions, local organizations, and within the MƒA Master Teacher community engage MƒA teachers in a topic at the cutting edge of their content area and/or pedagogical practice.