This document outlines the mission and values of a school. It discusses that the school cares deeply about students and each other. They focus on promoting growth mindsets and learning both in and outside the classroom. The school strives to make choices that reflect their values and who they want to become to serve as good role models for students. It also provides advice and resources for educators to design curriculum using Understanding by Design principles to ensure students learn and are prepared for success.

1. Who are We & Why are We Here?
• We care deeply about students and about each other.
• We model and promote a growth mindset.
• We focus on learning in and beyond the classroom.
• We understand that fair is different than equal.
• We work hard and persevere.
• We value people, not programs.
• We make choices—big and small—that reflect who we
are and who we want to become.
• We strive to be the people we want our students to be.
PHS Inservice—October 30, 2015
When We Learn, Students Learn

2. All Students Prepared for Success
Academics, Extra-Curricular, Community, Finances
Increased Student Engagement
Curriculum (course/unit development, backwards
design, summative assessments)
Learning Environment (transition, soft skills,
relationships)
Instruction (critical thinking, differentiation, feedback,
formative assessment, best practice)
RELEVANT~CHALLENGING~AUTHENTIC

3. Curriculum: What & Why?
• Curriculum = “the course to be run”
• Guides teaching and learning by defining and
organizing what learners should know,
understand, and be able to do
• Unites educators in pursuit of common goals
without limiting the “educational imagination”
(Eisner)
• Not a script, but a collaboratively designed
vision for learning

4. What advice do you have for educators
using Understanding by Design?
• Teaching & assessing for understanding and transfer
– What’s most worth understanding?
– What do you want students to be able to use, explain, or
teach others?
• Backward Design
– Beyond “coverage”
– Way of Thinking/Framework for Planning
• Think Big, Start Small, Go for an Early Win
– Units
– Collaboration
– Favorites
http://jaymctighe.com/

5. What Resources will Support &
Challenge Us?
• Fast Fire Menu
• Coaching Stations
• Colleagues
• Reflection Breaks
www.earlyrelease.weebly.com
Go Panthers!