Item 1: I use standards to guide every learning opportunity.
As teachers, we are all aware of standards that guide our teaching. Every state has specific standards that must be followed and taught for every grade level. Within each standard, there may be multiple concepts that students are expected to learn. "Unpacking the standards," as it is called by Goodwin and Hubbell, is the process teachers use to break down the standards to understand what students are expected to learn. The teacher determines vocabulary, processes, skills, abilities, etc., that students must know to meet the standard. By breaking down the standard, not only is the teacher able to know what needs to be taught, but the teacher will be better prepared to help students understand the goals they are looking to achieve.
The five steps of unpacking the standard are:
Identifying the focus.
Determining how to assess.
Determining how to engage students and pique their interest.
Determining how to engage students in mastering content.
Determining how to close the lesson.
In summary, unpacking the standards is a crucial process that helps teachers understand what students are expected to learn and achieve. By breaking down the standards into specific components, teachers can create effective lesson plans, communicate learning goals effectively, and help their students achieve success.
References:
Goodwin, R. & Hubbell, E. R. (2013). The 12 touchstones of good teaching: A checklist for staying focused every day.
Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Lauer, D. (2010, May 2). Unpacking the standards part 1 [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W452p7sgQ8