Teaming at DMS

T H E S T R U C T U R E , T H E P U R P O S E , T H E B E N E F I T

TEAMING AT DMS

THE STRUCTURE

People

• 230 students per grade• 115 students on a team• 5 teachers• Math• Science• Social Studies• Language Arts• Language Arts

Schedule

• Students go to lunch, PE and cycle during specific periods.

• Five periods are dedicated to academic classes.

• Teachers meet in team meeting every other day, also share lunch, prep and duty periods.

• Advantages for Students:• Stable and supportive

learning community• Close attention for each

student and his or her academic progress, motivation, behavior, attendance, task completion, emotional state, peer interactions and overall performance.• Team spirit

The creation of a personalized learning community within the larger school.

PURPOSE:

• Advantages for Teachers:• Collaboration and

support for planning and instruction• A natural learning

community for professional growth• Shared focus on

maximizing student learning• Setting expectations• A sense of “our kids”

The creation of a personalized learning community within the larger school.

PURPOSE:

• Advantages for Curriculum and Instruction:• Thematic or interdisciplinary connections• Structured learning experiences to enhance curriculum• Capitalizing on strengths of teachers on the team• Coordination of remediation

The creation of a personalized learning community within the larger school.

PURPOSE:

• Advantages for school leadership:• Communication• Goal setting• Pupil monitoring

• Advantages for Parents:• Conferences• Group emails• Team Leader Parent

Liaison

The creation of a personalized learning community within the larger school.

PURPOSE:

BENEFIT: INTERDISCIPLINARY INSTRUCTION

• Sixth grade interdisciplinary units have included study of the Holocaust, Baseball, and the Revolutionary War.

• Seventh grade interdisciplinary units have included exploration of Amico Island, the Judicial Branch of Government, and during different years, the election and the US Census.

• Eighth grade interdisciplinary units have included the study of volcanos and planning for careers.

• Each team of teachers has created “Diversity Day” activities specific to their team.

BENEFIT: STUDENT DATA

Student struggling academically, emotionally and behaviorally are discussed, monitored and supported throughout the school year. In the spring of 2010 Teams of Teachers collaborated to identify students deserving or needing special notice.• Who are the “good citizens” who stand out for people

positive role models, kind and supportive kids, or high initiative workers?

• What students experienced a decrease in achievement or motivation over the course of the school year?

• What students improved academically over the course of the year?

BENEFIT: STUDENT DATA

• What students have shown worsening behavior?• Do any students seem isolated?• Are any students at risk for being bullied?• Are any students aggressive/controlling toward

peers?• Are any students a cause for concern for their

emotional state?• Students to separate next year?• Students in need of a supportive peer? Identify

the peer, also.

T E A M 6 A ’ S E N T R I E S I N H A L LO W E E N PA RA D E

BENEFIT: SPIRIT

T E A M C O M P E T I T I O N

BENEFIT: SPIRIT

T E A M 6 A R E VO LU T I O N A RY WA R U N I T

BENEFIT: COMMUNITY

TEAM LEADER 1.0

• Set team agenda, run meetings, record minutes• Facilitate interdisciplinary units• Parent liaison• Mediate disagreements• Data collection for administration• Facilities requests for team activities• Monitor implementation of writing across

curriculum• Compile intervention data for struggling students• Liaison to Admin and Guidance

TEAM LEADER 1.0

• Organized t-shirt fundraiser, managed funds• Sought approval and organized transportation• Facilitated curriculum mapping to find natural

connections• Analysis of standardized test score data• Monitoring special education students• Monitoring 504 students• Team webpage

TEAM LEADER 2.0

• All of the previous, and….• Email blasts• Team website and calendar• Bulletin board• Manage budget • Coordinate expectations• Lead team to new goals• Track data on attendance, discipline, grades

• Recognition Event• Parent Activity• Team-building Activity• Field Trip• Academic Activity• 2 Interdisciplinary Units• Diversity/Heritage Event• Character Ed/Service Event

Teaming 2.0

GOALS: