Developing Historians and Global Thinkers Advisory Group

Currently accepting applications for:

• Two elementary teachers
• Two middle school social studies teachers
• Two high school social studies teachers

 

Purpose:

• Gather advice regarding PreK-12 social studies instruction that is focused on developing Historians and Global Thinkers as stated in the Bellingham Promise.
• Meet two to three times a year to address issues related to social studies standards, instruction and assessment, and professional development needs.
• Communicate findings to affected stakeholders.

Basis for Establishment:

• To increase opportunities for teachers, principals and Department of Teaching and Learning to collectively collaborate around the development of historians and global thinkers as stated in the Bellingham Promise.
• To create an ongoing process for addressing standards, instruction and assessment decisions, alignment and communication regarding social studies instruction.
• To advise regarding needs and priorities in social studies.

Decision-Making Process:

• This group will make any necessary decisions based on a consensus of those present and primarily serve in an advisory capacity to Department of Teaching and Learning and the Superintendent.

Plan of Work:

• Convene committee to understand the scope of the work of the year (and ongoing).
• Understand how the Developing Historians and Global Thinkers advisory group relates to other Teaching and Learning Advisory groups and the Bellingham Promise.
• Review recent research on best practices in social studies.
• Analyze current assessment data.
• Examine current state, local and other related standards, assessments and instructional implications.
• Collect feedback from staff, students and parents, as needed.

Members:

• Rotating/staggered memberships: Three-year, two-year and one-year memberships will be established at each level, so that we can have an ongoing advisory group over time without losing momentum
• Elementary teachers: Jamine Moss-Owen, Happy Valley and Gaye Fullner, Sunnyland.
• Middle school teachers: Alisa Sachs, Fairhaven; Alex Giebelhaus, Kulshan and Stephanie Strow, Shuksan.
• High school teachers: Shannon Eubank,Sehome; Karen Anastasio, Squalicum; Bruce Mansfield, Bellingham.
• Katie Ruthford, Dean of Students, Squalicum High School
• Charisse Berner, Director of Teaching and Learning – Co-chair
• Keith Schacht, Director of Teaching and Learning– Co-chair

Responsibilites:

• Communicate and make public all meeting agendas and minutes
• Director of Teaching and Learning shares outcomes with DTL team to surface potential impact on priorities across the system.

Timeline: 

• 2016-17 School Year: All meetings are 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the District Office.
  • This work moved to the Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Committee.
• 2015-16 School Year: Teaching and Learning Advisory Group meets fall, winter and spring.
  • December 10, 2015, District Office
  • March 2, 2016, District Office
  • May 12, 2016, Bloedel Donovan Pavilion
• 2014-15 School Year: March – May 2015
  • March 10, Board Room, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
  • May 5, Room 212, 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Budget Implications: 

• $5,000 – Curriculum rate paid to members (for attendance at Advisory Group meetings) and if needed, paid time for substantial tasks between meetings.
• The advisory group may recommend that a review committee be formed to address significant curricular needs.