Description: {Skills assessed on the PSSA and Keystone are those that are to be learned and then used in authentic ways. Application of skills in all classes creates not only opportunities for authentic use but also as an opportunity to relearn and rehearse content when data indicates need!
Grade levels: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12
Shared by: Timothy Kretchman
More helpful details: Planning for authentic use of skills creates meaningful instruction that also creates additionally opportunities for mastery. There is no better way to master a skill than by using it in an authentic way. Consider collaborating with colleagues across all disciplines to create additional opportunities to master skills. Teachers of language arts can help make reading and writing activities in social studies and science more impactful by assisting these teachers in developing assignments that utilize comprehension, word identification, and other strategies. By making reading and writing activities more meaningful, content area instruction is also enhanced. Teachers of mathematics can work with colleagues in arts, physical education, vocational education, and other subjects to develop real-world application of skills. By making these opportunities data-informed, content area teachers can plan explicit opportunities to ensure the most is made of every opportunity.
Grouping: Whole Class, Small Group, Individual
Resources: Deeper Learning: Why Cross-Curricular Teaching is Essential By Ben Johnson – Edutopia https://www.edutopia.org/blog/cross-curricular-teaching-deeper-learning-ben-johnson
Teaching Secondary Students to Write Effectively – Integrate writing and reading to emphasize key writing features – What Works Clearinghouse – research study – https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/WWC/Docs/PracticeGuide/508_WWCPG_SecondaryWriting_122719.pdf#page=38
Additional Files:
My co-worker and I have implemented this strategy several times a school year for a few years. The results have been overwhelmingly positive. The students enjoy showing their different academic skills to another teacher. The students can practice skills with an authentic purpose.
As a music teacher, I find it beneficial to collaborate with grade level teachers and other special area teachers. Music projects that incorporate other content areas help students engage with the subject matter at a deeper level and see how music can be used outside of the music classroom. Some projects I’ve done in the past are Music and the Underground Railroad, “Fifty Nifty United States” song and creating instruments and using them in a song.