The document discusses the potential benefits of introducing specialized instructors for core subjects like language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies in elementary education. It highlights the importance of engagement, effective planning, collaboration among teachers, and a structured schedule to improve student outcomes. The text emphasizes the need for educators to adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and promotes focusing on fewer standards to enhance subject mastery.

2. 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?

5.  Are your ISTEP scores where you  What kid doesn’t get excited about
want them to be? shooting off rockets in science?
 Are students excited about Social  Test scores in 5th grade science from
Studies & becoming better writers? 17% passing to 42% passing in one
 Do you spend more time putting out year!
fires than teaching?  Intentional, on task instruction in
 Is science something you fit in when each subject area every day for each
you can? student
 Do you and your colleagues share  Focused time on planning
what works best each day of instruction in a subject you love to
instruction? teach
 Do you spend more time planning  Increased engagement in each
for instruction in subjects you know subject for every student
the least about?  Personality conflicts among teachers
and students are minimized

7.  Propose new ideas
 Operate from strong
beliefs
 Create explicit goals for
change
 Define success in terms
of goals
 Collegiality and
professionalism

8.  Subject area you love
 Concentrate on fewer
standards/strategies
 Creative planning
 Focus on fewer ideas
 Become an expert in your
subject area
 Hone teaching skills with
best practices

9. 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

10. Teachers Students
 Teachers willing to work  Greater chance of academic
together success in their favorite
class
 Idea sharing
 More opportunities to be
 More heads are better than understood by teachers
one
 Management/discipline  Higher engagement in
subject areas
support
 Little tracking, just
 Lessened opportunities for increased focus on subject
teacher/student conflicts areas
 Instructional time is better  Exposure to different
utilized teaching styles &
personalities

11.  Team members who can work together
 Guidelines for consistent student management
 Administrator who is good with creative scheduling
 Compromises are necessary among staff
 Your schedule is “sacred”; maintaining
equitable, intentional, instruction time is non-negotiable
 Be prepared to “eat crow” & lose a battle once in a while

12.  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

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

14. Donna M. Smith
Media Program Coordinator
Forest Manor Professional Development Center
4501 E. 32nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46218
317-690-8657 cell
smithdm@ips.k12.in.us