High+School+Writing+Team

= = =Project= = In 2007 the 6-12 Social Studies section of NCDPI began a Concept-Based Instruction Initiative. = =  //    "It is the clearest approach I have seen for helping teachers     //   = =  //    distinguish the difference between concepts and facts. I will     //  = =   //   recommend it everywhere." Heidi Hayes Jacob - Curriculum Designers, Inc.    //   = =           = =    //   "A lucid and helpful volume, very much what people need to move    //     = =      //  beyond simplistic teaching." Grant P. Wiggins-Learning by Design, Inc. //       = =  = =  This project aims to help Social Studies teacher learn how to  = = = =Purpose= The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's initiative of Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction is based and modeled on the research and work of Dr. Lynn Erikson. The development of units rather than simple lessons is a successful research proven way of contextualizing state standards into the curriculum of local LEAs. Unit development will guide teachers in how to address the standards using the content that they are charged to teach and makes clear the connections between what students must know, understand and be able to do.  =Preparation= The unit development committee is made up of teachers from local school systems from across the state. These teachers have be en contracted to receive training on and development of Concept-Based units for high school courses. These teachers participated in an initial training in the spring of 2008 and follow-up training during a summer professional development session at NCCAT under the guidance of Dr. Lynn Erikson.
 * Take learning beyond the facts
 * Facilitate deep understanding and knowledge
 * Develop conceptual systems in the brain to process new information
 * Meet higher academic standards related to content knowledge, process abilities, quality performance, and school-to-work transitions
 * Align their curriculum with our state and establish appropriate learning experiences and performance assessments

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