Update on Strategic Plan Inquiry Based Learning Grades 9-12 Minnetonka Public Schools 2011/12

K-12 Inquiry-Based Learning 21 st Century Attributes and Attitudes included in all curriculum reviews All sites involved in book study and/or author visit with Ian Jukes and Lee Crockett (Literacy Is Not Enough) Performance-based assessments (create, publish, perform, etc.) are increasingly integrated into core curriculum

Scoring Rubrics Implement the assessment tools provided by Jukes and Crockett and begin the process of reporting student achievement on 21 st Century Skills to parents. This work will take place over the coming year and will be accompanied by a variety of parent communications.

Real-world or virtual mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships The emphasis on real-world problem solving is key to classroom application of the inquiry-based teaching model. Teachers will continue to be trained and supported as they seek practical applications to engage students in the District’s curriculum.

Practical writing, oral, presentation, and debate/persuasion skills English/Language Arts curriculum review will embed these skills in the K-12 ELA curriculum. Common Core national standards embed these core literacy skills in math, science, social studies, and technical education. 21 st Century Fluencies will help teachers gain confidence and expertise in designing classroom instruction that embeds these skills into their daily practice.

Parent Communications Opportunity to interact with authors Jukes and Crockett on the topic of 21 st Century Fluencies and were able to hear the power of these skills when integrated into the core curriculum.

Inquiry-Based Learning Grades 6 - 8

New Accelerated Science 8 Course Focus on essential Physical Science 9 skills/concepts Skills/content taught through a laboratory intensive approach

Embed essential inquiry learning concepts at all grade levels Engineering design process Effective experimental design Observation Hypothesis Independent/dependent variables Data collection Analysis of data

New Technology Education 7 Curriculum Lego Robotics focus 21 st Century Skill focus Inquiry learning approach

Continued Evolution of STEM STEM consulting business concept Hallway traffic/crowding challenge More sophisticated robot challenges

Inquiry-Based Learning Grades 9 – 12

Science has made this a focal point of each class as a part of their curriculum review process. The science department has participated in two workshops specifically targeting inquiry-based instructional approaches.

The Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) has shared inquiry-based instructional strategies for teachers.

Project Lead the Way is embedding strategies into the curriculum.

Jukes/Crockett training reinforced and expanded concepts with teacher- leaders.

Principals review strategies and questioning skills as part of regular evaluations.

Principals provide feedback on drop-ins.

TICs are focusing on specific questioning techniques.

Focus on increased participation in activities supporting inquiry (robotics, super mileage).

The following new course additions have embraced inquiry approaches: Introduction to Engineering Design Principles of Engineering American Studies Honors IB Literature and Performance SL IB Further Mathematics SL Hybrid courses – Physics, Sociology, AP Psychology, Biomechanics, Business Integration and Development