Long Term Planning
Introduction
My long term planning process occurs each summer during professional development training. During this time, I am able to collaborate with all the math teachers in Connecticut to identify our vision for 5th-grade mathematics and intention of approach. By being able to see the story of 5th-grade mathematics we are able to understand what skills are critical for student success. This also provides teachers an opportunity to look at the year from a big picture lens before looking at nuance tasks.
There are two components of long term planning that allow a big picture to be developed: Grade 5 Standards Scope and Sequence and Daily Aims Calendar. All three of these pieces of evidence allow me to become an expert in my grade level content and appropriately sequence our work that makes sense for students to achieve the rigorous learning goals set for them.
Scope and Sequence
By looking at the standards necessary for 5th-grade mathematics, I am able to understand key skills students will need. Additionally it is important to understand the complexity of each standard, how they fit into each unit, and how they will be assessed throughout the year as well as on high-stakes testing. I use this document as a point of reference throughout the year as student develop various components of each standard at different times.
The image to the left is an illustration of the backward design I use to long term plan. By evaluating the content and how the content is organized in the curriculum, I am able to see how one skill builds on another and to what capacity students need to master to demonstrate mastery. For example, I always start fifth grade with 5.NBT understanding place value. This is the big idea upon many culminating tasks and learning events such as multi-step world problems where students need to use all operations fluently with whole numbers, fractions, and/or decimals. With a strong conceptual understanding of place value at the beginning of the year, students have access to conceptual understanding through the 5th-grade curriculum.
Daily Aims Calendar
In continuation of the resource above, Achievement First provides a pacing guide that allows me to monitor my progress on standards throughout the year and ensure I am devoting appropriate amounts of time to each with a focus on high priority standards. I regularly use this document to make sure my students have learned the material they will be assessed on during network mandated assessments each week.
Conclusion
By participating in the development of the two pieces of evidence above, I am able to have a big picture vision of the year ahead. The backward design process allows me to develop appropriate sequencing of learning experiences and provide multiple ways for students to demonstrate knowledge and skill throughout the year. This builds a cohesive curriculum based on learning theory and development so that students maximize learning. This process is invaluable to my student's success.