| English/ Social Studies Pilot Class |
| In early 1990s, VVS High School began to explore alternatives to our traditional 9 period day. As a way to experiment with a new schedule, teachers from all content areas were asked to submit plans for pilot programs that would provide some feedback as to how successful our eventual conversion might be. While some teachers tried traditional semestered classes (full-year course in one semester through the use of double periods), Melanie Miller, an 11th grade English teacher, and I decided to go a different route. We developed a team-taught class that allowed us to use 80 minutes everyday for an entire school year anyway we chose. We would share the same students, something never tried before. The results were and have since been amazing. Of the 60+ students we have had over the past three years, not 1 has failed either the US History Regents or the English Regents. The course curriculum is also unique. Because of the extended time, we are not only able to focus more on writing essays, peer editing, test-taking strategies and basic content, we also provide many extension activities centered around popular feature films. While I focus on the historical events, Mrs. Miller focuses on characters and plot development. At various times, we have used Amistad, Dances with Wolves, The Wizard of Oz, 1776,The Great Gatsby, Forrest Gump, and Gone with the Wind. This year we will incorporate Seabiscuit into the Great Depression/New Deal portion of the Domestic Policy and Crisis Unit (see curriculum documents on the Thematic Approach to US History Page). I encourage you to check out Teachwithmovies.org for resources and learning guides to feature films-it is an excellent site (membership required, but inexpensive). One would be surpised what can be cover in an eighty minute uninterupted period. We thoroughly For those of you who may want to try this I encourage you to do so. Below are some pros and cons from our experience with this class. Pros -Two heads are better than 1-see co-teaching page -Some written assignments cout for each class-less homework assignments -Improved relationship with students through longer contact time -Students like team teaching-verified through student surveys -More opportunity for audio/visual incorporation -Flexible use of time -Improvement of reading comprehension and writing skills -Fun-chance to be creative -Improved connections between American Literature and History Cons -Scheduling a double period -Finding a teacher that is compatible can be difficult -Communication between teacher about topic to be cover and homework assignments -Students need to know schedule to know where to go if there is a double period or classes are flip-flopped -Missing 1 assignment may affect a grade in 2 classes not just 1 |
| Course Overview: US History supported with American Literature and writing skills in an 80 minute block everyday for a full year. |
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