Departmentalization Rocks!

We have specialists in the areas of Music, Physical Education, Art, and Media Services – Why not create specialists in the areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies?

“Isn’t the improvement of the learning process for elementary school children worth the risk of trying it?” --Tak Cheung Chan & Delbert Jarman

Are you a “super teacher” or “super overworked teacher”?

“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” ---John Wooden

Are your ISTEP scores where you want them to be?

Are students excited about Social Studies & becoming better writers?

Do you spend more time putting out fires than teaching?

Is science something you fit in when you can?

Do you and your colleagues share what works best each day of instruction?

Do you spend more time planning for instruction in subjects you know the least about?

What kid doesn’t get excited about shooting off rockets in science?

Test scores in 5th grade science from 17% passing to 42% passing in one year!

Intentional, on task instruction in each subject area every day for each student

Focused time on planning instruction in a subject you love to teach

Increased engagement in each subject for every student

Personality conflicts among teachers and students are minimized

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” ---Helen Keller

“Shake up the Status Quo” by Robert Marzano

Propose new ideasOperate from strong

beliefsCreate explicit goals

for changeDefine success in

terms of goalsCollegiality and

professionalism

Teaching your passion!Subject area you loveConcentrate on fewer

standards/strategiesCreative planningFocus on fewer ideasBecome an expert in

your subject areaHone teaching skills

with best practices

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ---Nelson Mandela If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn. ---Ignacio Estrada

TeachersTeachers willing to work

togetherIdea sharingMore heads are better

than one Management/discipline

supportLessened opportunities for

teacher/student conflictsInstructional time is better

utilized

Greater chance of academic success in their favorite class

More opportunities to be understood by teachers

Higher engagement in subject areas

Little tracking, just increased focus on subject areas

Exposure to different teaching styles & personalities

Teamwork Required . . Students

Team members who can work togetherGuidelines for consistent student managementAdministrator who is good with creative

schedulingCompromises are necessary among staffYour schedule is “sacred”; maintaining equitable,

intentional, instruction time is non-negotiableBe prepared to “eat crow” & lose a battle once in

a while

Plan ahead to decrease challenges…

Implementation Strategies… Administrative support Teachers willing to change &

be part of a strong team Find teachers with a passion

for their subject A building schedule to support

the plan & implementation Plan on compromise & lots of

meetings Convince team members they

will be a huge part of student success

Maintain the integrity of the schedule and daily instruction

Chan, T. C. & Jarman, D. (2004, September, ). Departmentalize Elementary Schools. Principal.

Bibliography

Donna M. SmithMedia Program Coordinator

Forest Manor Professional Development Center

4501 E. 32nd StreetIndianapolis, Indiana 46218

317-690-8657 cellsmithdm@ips.k12.in.us