Title

Closing Achievement Gaps and Improving Students' Attitudes towards School through Cross-Curriculum Integration and Project Based Learning

Format

Poster Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Darlington High School

Second Presenter's Institution

Darlington High School

Third Presenter's Institution

NA

Fourth Presenter's Institution

NA

Fifth Presenter's Institution

NA

Location

Harborside East Center

Strand #1

Academic Achievement & School Leadership

Relevance

DREAM Team/Team 20 allowed 4 teachers to collaborate and create project centered, cross-disciplinary lessons that actively engaged at-risk ninth graders. These ninth graders received core course instruction through team teaching and project based learning. The Algebra I and Physical Science teachers were paired together and the English I and World Geography teachers were paired. Teachers taught primarily in the same room at the same time with an emphasis on projects and technology. The main goal was to keep, motivate, assist and promote these "At-Risk" students who were already labeled with not completing high school.

Brief Program Description

DREAM Team/Team 20 allowed 4 teachers to collaborate and create project centered, cross-disciplinary lessons that actively engaged at-risk ninth graders. Most lesson were team taught with the Science and Math teachers being paired while the English and Social Studies teacher were paired.

Summary

The presentation will describe our DREAM Team/Team 20 initiative: a project that allowed 4 teachers (Algebra I, English, Physical Science and World Geography) to create project centered cross-disciplinary lessons that would actively engage ninth graders that had been identified as at-risk, low achieving or probable drop outs. Other goals included improving students' attitudes towards school, self esteem awareness, student motivation and goal setting. The success of this program resulted in the creation of the Innovative Academy to implement "Project Based Learning" and "Cross-Curriculum Instruction" at other grade levels.

The presentation will provide strategies to implement with both "Project Based Learning" and "Cross-Curriculum Instruction". The presenter will also share their experiences from the project's first year. Tools and strategies on motivating and engaging students will also be explored, along with a "go to" list of websites.

Evidence

Use of Project Based Learning and Cross Disciplinary Integration decreased the student drop out rate of 64 students who had been identified as at-risk, low achieving and probable drop outs. The student-teacher bonds that were created, individual student success stories and the major improvement in students' attitudes towards learning were all major bonuses. The success of this program resulted in the creation of the Innovative Academy to implement "Project Based Learning" and "Cross-Curriculum Instruction" at other grade levels.

Biographical Sketch

Zakiyyah Stroman is a dynamic teacher with 16 years of experience. She holds a Master's of Science in Education as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. She enjoys sharing her love and passion for science with her children.

Renia Patterson has been in education for 18 years. She holds a Master's of Education in Technology and another Master's of Science in Educational Administration. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. This lively math teacher enjoys showing her students just how fun and relevant numbers can be.

Keyword Descriptors

Project based learning, cross curriculum instruction, improving students' attitudes towards learning

Presentation Year

2018

Start Date

3-6-2018 4:00 PM

End Date

3-6-2018 5:30 PM

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COinS
 
Mar 6th, 4:00 PM Mar 6th, 5:30 PM

Closing Achievement Gaps and Improving Students' Attitudes towards School through Cross-Curriculum Integration and Project Based Learning

Harborside East Center

DREAM Team/Team 20 allowed 4 teachers to collaborate and create project centered, cross-disciplinary lessons that actively engaged at-risk ninth graders. Most lesson were team taught with the Science and Math teachers being paired while the English and Social Studies teacher were paired.