ELA and Math Project Update

Dear 8 Blue Families,
We are writing to let you know about an exciting new project happening on team in ELA and math.
One of the district goals in Shrewsbury is for all teachers to incorporate Project Based Learning elements into their instruction by the end of the 2016-2017 school year. You can find links to the district goals and more information about Project Based Learning at the bottom of this email. You may have to copy and paste the links into your browser. We have designed a cross-curricular project between ELA and math that focuses on the driving question “what skills and personal qualities are necessary for success in today’s world?”
During this unit, students will be working in groups to create a business and write a business plan. In addition, in ELA, students will be reading biographies and focusing on the traits that made that individual successful, as well selections from The Outliers, The World is Flat, and Mindset: The New Psychology of Success during class.
The skills this unit focuses on are:

• Writing for different audiences and purposes
  
• Analyzing the elements of literature
  
• Problem solving in context
  
• Communicating mathematical thinking clearly and concisely
  

During this unit, we are regrouping classes based on the type of business the students are interested in starting. For students currently in honors and advanced math, relevant extensions will be provided. In addition, Ms. Sharon Freedman, the advanced math coach, will be coming into the classroom to work on advanced concepts with students. Upon completion of the unit in four weeks, students will return to their original class groupings.
We will be asking for parent volunteers to come give their business plans a “seal of approval” and a “seal of improvement.” Please keep your eyes out for more information soon!
We are excited for the students to experience the curriculum by applying it to real world situations. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your support,

Ms. Jill Carlin            Ms. Kate Lewis
8 Blue Math            8 Blue ELA

http://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/district/Goals1.cfm
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-parent-resources