Chapter 2

Chapter 2

UPGRADING THE CURRICULUM

By Robin Rooks

21ST CENTURY ASSESSMENT TYPES AND SKILLS

• This has been a slogan for the past 20 + years.

• Does it mean adding a computer activity into our instruction?

• What if it meant reexamining our curriculum to UPGRADE it to replace curriculum

• Schools should use a curriculum mapping tool to help guide them on the changes that should occur

Poll

Do you feel schools have adequately upgraded curriculum to meet 21st century goals?

• Yes

• No

LET’S START AT THE END

To move forward with 21st century curriculum, we need to reimagine assessments (Jacobs, 2010). . 

Assessments are a form used as evidence of learning reflecting progress or regress.

•According to authors of the International Journal of Testing (Oliveri & Mislevy, 2019), assessment need to be reimagined to fit diverse populations in order to assess hard to test skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Poll

Do you feel we should start with assessments first when upgrading the curriculum for more critical thinking and creativity?

• Yes

• no

• I don't know

STEP 1 DEVELOP A POOL OF ASSESSMENT REPLACEMENTS (Jacobs, 2010). 

• Give teachers a toolbox of assessments to choose from that align with 21st skills (Jacobs, 2010; Oliveri & Mislevy, 2019), 

• Students will develop a documentary, podcast, CAD projections, Website, Digital music exchange, film, online journal, Blog, video, Screenplay, film

STEP 2 TEACHERS WORK WITH IT TO SEE WHAT THE DISTRICT ALREADY HAS (Jacobs, 2010).  .

• Interactive whiteboards, Webcams, Electronic Field trips, Web Design Tools, Photoshop, Google suits (sites, meet, drive, drawings, slides), Twitter, Digital cameras, Pixton

• Do professional development to get the staff comfortable with one new tool per semester or year.

• Differentiate the professional development on the needs of the staff

Poll

How many new digital assessments have you tried this year?

• none

• 1-2

• 3 or more

STEP 3 REPLACE DATED ASSESSMENT WITH MODERN ONE (Jacobs, 2010). 

• Replace one outdated assessment with a modern one

• Instead of writing a short story write a screen play

• Instead of making a chart of imports and exports of Peru make a WebQuest

STEP 4 SHARE ASSESSMENT UPGRADES FORMALLY WITH COLLEAGUES AND STUDENTS (Jacobs, 2010). 

• Collaboration is the key – This is where your PLC is important/brainstorming new ideas and sharing with others on the team.

• Even as students for ideas- model learning new ideas

• Share the new curriculum map

• •Gunn and Hollingsworth (2013) researched a school district’s approach to formally upgrading its school to match the vision of 21st century skills. 

STEP 5- INSERT ONGOING SESSIONS FOR SKILL AND ASSESSMENT UPGRADES IN CALENDAR (Jacobs, 2010). 

• If teachers know a build in day is coming to learn and practice new instructional strategies, they will be more likely to upgrade

• As a county I day a month for “upgrading the assessments”

• •Gunn and Hollinsworth (2013) found increasing time for professional development to significantly improve teacher efficacy in improving use of technology. 

SO, WHAT ARE 21ST CENTURY SKILLS?

• Too often it a generic mission statement placed on school and businesses without meaning

• In 21st skills students need to think and work creatively and collaboratively  (Jacobs, 2010; Oliveri & Mislevy, 2019), . 

• Examples include

• A video podcast of an interview with City council members

• Presenting a plan or design through CAD (computer aid design program)

Multiple Choice

Which would be an upgrade to "draw and label the water cycle"?

• create a video of how the water cycle works

• make a poster of the water cycle

• cut apart labels and paste them to the water cycle

Multiple Choice

Which would be an upgrade to "write an essay on how to combat pollution"?

• read the chapter on pollution and answer the questions

• Make a poster to show how to combat pollution

• Create a google site with information on combating pollution

References

Gunn, T.M., & Hollingsworth, M. (2013). The Implementation and Assessment of a Shared 21st Century Learning Vision: A District-Based Approach. Journal of Research on Technology in Education. 45(3). 201-228. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2013.10782603

Jacobs, H. (2010). Curriculum 21:Essential Education for the Changing World. ASCD

Oliveri, M. E., & Mislevy, R. J. (2019). Introduction to “Challenges and Opportunities in the Design of ‘Next-Generation Assessments of 21st Century Skills’” Special Issue. International Journal of Testing, 19(2), 97–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/15305058.2019.160855