PROCESS UTILIZED TO SELECT TEXTBOOKS AND FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY
The textbook selection process for the 9-12 Language Arts program started at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. Teachers were asked what companies could best support the West Shore School District’s 9-12 language arts curricular needs. Department heads gathered this information from their colleagues, and created a list of potential programs/resources for consideration. These program needs were presented to the English Language Arts Mini-curriculum Committee and companies were contacted to send resources. Following the presentation, the department heads led a meeting regarding the merits and limitations of each program. The final step in the selection process involved the department reflecting on the results and what they felt best met the needs of students and teachers.
The 9-12 English Language Arts Department determined that new textbooks for the core subjects (English I, English II, English III, and English IV) were not needed.
The 9-12 English Language Arts Department recommends the purchase of this updated resource.
Vocabulary Power Plus. Red Land High School has utilized the series Vocabulary Power Plus in Grades 9-12. As our departments work more closely to align resources and practices, the department feels it is important that Cedar Cliff has access to the same resource. Vocabulary Power Plus is a vocabulary program that assists students in improving reading comprehension, writing and grammar proficiency, and vocabulary word-attack skills. The program is designed for weekly vocabulary practice. Both high school will implement this program. The new Power Plus texts include career and college ready words and activities.
NEW TEXTBOOKS IN ELECTIVE SUBJECTS
The 9-12 English Language Arts Department determined the need for textbooks in English Language and Composition Advanced Placement, English Literature and Composition Advanced Placement, Journalism, and Theatre Arts.
SOFTWARE SUPPORT OF MASS MEDIA
As software updates are continuously evolving, there is no request for a Mass Media textbook. It is the recommendation of the 9-12 English Language Arts Department to purchase a yearly subscription to IzzyVideo. Izzy Video is a collection of online video tutorials and articles on topics such as Final Cut Pro, lighting, audio and equipment. The resources are continuously updated and students may access them from home or school as they work on projects. The cost is $200.00 a year.
TECHNOLOGY
There are numerous devices, programs, and platforms for educators and students. Opportunities exist for learning over the Internet or through videoconferencing, blogging, Google Suite, Google Classroom, creation-based projects such as presentations, movies (research, storytelling, script writing, etc.), blended learning, flipped classrooms, online portfolios, collaborative writing and editing, global connections, online access to databases, or to a library catalog. Not only does technology enhance the learning experience, but it can potentially eliminate some of the barriers to learning by keeping students connected. Additionally, technology serves as a tool to engage learning, allows students’ voices to be expressed through writing, and creates authentic assessments of learning. More opportunities for student engagement that meet the needs of various learners can be utilized.
Students and teachers who have seamless, consistent access to technology can pool from a variety of resources and enhance learning. The 9-12 English Language Arts Department will receive 15 computers per teacher.