2. The balanced, coordinated, supported
math and science curriculum ensures
the mathematic and scientific
literacy of the
future
3. A coordinated cycle of learning
combines Math, Science and
English Language Arts.
“Inquiry-based science and reading
emphasize a shared set of intellectual
processes”(Vasquez, 2008, p. 28).
“Supporting the development of students’
literacy skills will allow them to deepen their
understanding of mathematics concepts and
help them to determine the meanings of
symbols, key terms, and mathematics phrases,
as well as to develop reasoning skills that
apply across the disciplines” (Massachusetts
Curriculum Framework for Mathematics, 2011,
p. 17).
4. A Balanced Approach
Connects Literature with Math & Science
content related fiction & picture books
informational text at a variety of reading levels
articles from current newspapers &magazines
A print-rich classroom
illustrated word walls
content anchor charts
Daily writing about math and science
observations, opinion pieces, explanatory text, procedures
5. Daily and Weekly
Math
frequent skills practice for fluency
problem solving with a partner
communicating strategies
instruction in line with Common Core State Standards
Science
pose a question; design & conduct and investigation;
evaluate the results; revise as necessary
research and apply new information
record and communicate to others
instruction in line with Next Generation Science
Standards
6. Highlights
Hands-on and Minds-on
Equity in learning
Variety of learning and assessment methods
Meets Common Core Standards for Math and ELA
Meets Next Generation Science Standards
7. Hands-on and minds-on
“Becoming a scientifically
literate person requires the
ability to do, and an
understanding of scientific
inquiry” (Vasquez, 2008, p. 13).
“Asking students to talk about
mathematical concepts,
procedures, and problem
solving helps them understand
more deeply and with greater
clarity” (Chapin, O'Connor, &
Anderson, 2009, p. 7).
8. Equity in Learning
Content is accessible for all students through
multiple approaches
texts read aloud
internet resources
audio/video content
assignments follow principles of Universal Design
Students demonstrate mastery of content and
skills in a variety of ways
written work
presentations using music, art, drama
groups, partners, independent
in class and at home
9. Inquiry and Problem Solving
Answer the questions “I Wonder…” and “What
would happen if…”
Students develop research, critical thinking and
effective communication skills
Balance of independent, partner, small group
and whole group settings to encourage
collaboration and respectful discourse
Synthesize information from multiple resources
10. Balanced Assessment
before, during and after
Talking
productive class
discussions
respectful discourse
an opportunity to
hear multiple points
of view
support conclusions
with evidence
Drawing &Writing
math & science
journals
document thinking,
reasoning, changes
of opinion
designed to identify
misconceptions,
reasoning, changes
in understanding
Traditional
homework
assignments
exit tickets
quizzes
pre- and post unit
assessments
final projects
11. “Children are born investigators. In the early years of
life, children engage in and develop their own ideas
about the physical, biological, and social worlds and
how they work and, thus, can engage in scientific
and engineering practices beginning in the early
grades” (Pratt, 2012, p. 9).
12. Kindergarten
A General Educator, Special Educator and
Paraprofessional for each classroom
An ELL Educator for each grade level
15 students per class in grades K1 &K2
Predominantly play-based curriculum
Guided inquiry, some student led inquiry
Explicit instruction is scientific method and
mathematic foundational skills
13. Elementary
Grades 1 - 6
A General Educator and Special Educator for
each classroom
An ELL Educator for each grade level
18 students per class
Project Based Learning
Guided and student led inquiry
14. Learning Environment
Location of the school is optimal for outdoor
learning: garden, stream, forest, wetland etc.
Design of the school is conducive to large scale
projects, demonstrations, parent workshops and
science fairs
Materials for all subjects and grades are
organized, replenished and available for
immediate use
15. Support Systems
For the classroom
For the school
For the teachers
For the families
16. Classroom Support
Planning time with co-teachers and facilitators
A Science facilitator per 2 year grade span
A Math facilitator per 2 year grade span
A Literacy facilitator per 2 year grade span
Mentor teachers identified and utilized - have
additional planning time and stipend
Student support specialists: OT/PT, Psych, SLP
17. Administrators
Well informed and well educated
Enthusiastic about sharing personal interests in
math or science with students
Proactively maintain a positive, professional,
atmosphere that encourages staff retention
Ensure the school and teachers have current,
relevant curricula, technology and supplies
18. Community Support
Provide parents and the community with
resources to encourage participation
Ongoing series of parent workshops where community members
are involved in providing the training to parents
Incentives, translation services, childcare, refreshments,
transportation, materials and school resources
Homework resources: internet access, basic supplies, incentives
for involvement
Encourage parents and community members to share areas of
interest in math or science with each other and their child’s
classroom
19. Professional Development
Continuous and aligned with current frameworks
and learning theory
Collaborative, relevant, active, engaging and
timely
Identify and utilize grade level experts
Considers broad needs and varied backgrounds
and learning styles of teachers
All school, grade level, teaching teams and/or
individual training provided
21. References
Chapin, S., O'Connor, C., & Anderson, N. C. (2009). Classroom discussions: Using math talk to
help students learn, k-5 (2nd ed.). Sausalito, CA: Math Solutions.
Massachusetts curriculum framework for mathematics grades pre-kindergarten to 12:
Incorporating the common core state standards for mathematics. (2011, January).
Retrieved July 21, 2013, from http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/math/0111.pdf
All standards, all students: Making the next generation science standards accessible to all
students. (2013, June). Retrieved July 21, 2013, from http://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/
ngss/files/Appendix%20D%20Diversity%20and%20Equity%206-14-13.pdf
Pratt, H. (2012). The NSTA reader’s guide to a framework for K–12 science education
practices, crosscutting concepts and core ideas (Expanded ed.). Retrieved from http://
learningcenter.nsta.org/files/PB326X.pdf
Vasquez, J. A. (2008). Tools & traits: Highly effective science teaching K-8. Portsmouth, NH:
Heinemann.
Venn diagram of practices in science, math, & ELA. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2013, from
Nsta.org website: http://nstahosted.org/pdfs/ngss/PracticesVennDiagram-BandW.pdf