The Time Traveler

The end of the first semester is almost here! As a reminder, all courses with the exception of AP and Senior level courses are expected to give a semester exam. The performance task templates are located in the Fall 2024 Performance Task folder. These tasks must be graded according to the rubric in the template and added to the EX1 column. Please reach out if you have any questions about the semester exam. I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing winter break and a happy holidays!

As we near the end of this semester, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your incredible dedication. We've seen a consistent commitment to excellence in every classroom, and your hard work does not go unnoticed. Take a moment to reflect on the meaningful moments: the times you shared laughter with students, witnessed those breakthrough learning moments, and made a lasting impact. These experiences are the heart of why we love being part of Prosper ISD. Carry these memories and insights with you as we go to break and prepare for a new semester!

A big shout-out to our new to profession educators who chose Prosper ISD as their home this year. Your dedication and enthusiasm are a positive addition to our dynamic district. Click the button below to get to know our incredible new teachers!

“The aim is to get the students actively involved in seeking evidence: their role is not simply to do tasks as decided by teachers, but to actively manage and understand their learning gains. This includes evaluating their own progress, being more responsible for their learning, and being involved with peers in learning together about gains in learning.” John Hattie

Teams across the district are using the Social Studies Playbook to get students engaged in the content and talking with their peers. Click on the buttons below to see strategies in action!

Want to have your students debate an academic topic in a structured way? Using the Structured Academic Controversy strategy, students can engage in academic debate and look at differing perspectives. Click the image to see the strategy one pager!

Each month, we will be highlighting teams that are doing an exemplary job of working through each part of the PLC process.

The 7th grade team at Hays MS begins planning with the end goal in mind, crafting assessments first and then carefully designing Tier 1 instruction that incorporates high-yield teaching strategies. Continuous formative assessment allows them to make responsive adjustments throughout each unit, using student performance data to inform targeted intervention and enrichment plans. The team's deliberate and thoughtful approach directly translates into exceptional student learning outcomes.

The 8th grade US History team at Reynolds Middle School employs data-driven collaboration to enhance student learning. Teachers strategically share classes based on individual strengths, providing students multiple perspectives on course content and enabling timely academic interventions. Students take a post-assessment after intervention/extension to show growth or if further intervention is necessary.

The Prosper High AP Psychology team uses CFAs to reflect on their instructional plan and inform Q3/Q4 adjustments. They analyze student data as a collaborative team, then leverage those insights to adapt their teaching and ensure all learners meet the standards.

RHHS World Geography team collaboratively develops lessons that challenge both Honors and On-Level students through a "Teaching Up" lense. They use exit tickets and informal assessments to monitor understanding, then swiftly adjust their instruction accordingly.

The Walnut Grove Honors World Geography team collaboratively plans Tier 1 learning experiences tailored to the unit goals and standards. They leverage the "Teaching Up" approach, selecting high yield instructional strategies that challenge and empower all students.

This month we are highlighting the comparison skill. Comparison is critical skill in the development of historical thinking skills. When most people think about comparison they think about using a Venn diagram to identify similarities and differences. However, we can challenge students to reach higher levels of thinking by asking them to describe the similarities and differences, draw conclusions and provide original thoughts about the comparisons. To practice this skill in your classroom, you can use the graphic organizer above and start with non-curricular examples such as comparing a sheet cake and a cupcake (Tillotson & Toms, 2022).

Interested in leading a session at our "Prosper Connects" style professional learning day? If so, please complete this form by December 16th. All sessions must align to one of the first four Instructional Observation Points. Instructional technology can be incorporated into your session, but should not be the focus of the session and must align to instructional observation point #5. Selected proposals will be notified the week of December 16th. You will be provided a template to use while planning your session and your instructional coach will reach out to you to schedule time to help you plan. Your final template and slides will be due by January 31st.

January 6th: Sam Rayburn Day

• Sam Rayburn Day, in memory of that great Texas and American statesman, shall be regularly observed by appropriate programs in the public schools to commemorate the birthday of Sam Rayburn. Gov’t Code 662.041

[Click Here for a One Pager with Activities]

January 9th: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

• National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was created by multiple organizations in 2015 to express their gratitude for officers in the United States. In support of their services citizens are encouraged to do their part in thanking the law enforcers on this day. The observance of this day in schools is optional.

[Click Here for a One Pager with Activities]]

January 27th, the day that the concentration camp Auschwitz was liberated by Allied Troops, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The week including January 27th has been deemed Holocaust Remembrance Week by the state of Texas. During this week, public schools are directed to provide age-appropriate instruction, designed to inspire students to recognize and uphold human value, in order to prevent future atrocities. Senate Bill 1828

Click here for activities.

Teaching with DBQs Series:

• 1/30 - Teaching with DBQs 103: Leveraging the Inquiry Process to Meet the Needs of All Students
  
• 3/27 - Teaching with DBQs 104: Evaluating DBQs and Using Data to Drive Inquiry Instruction
  

Teaching American History Workshops:

• 1/31 - Every 4 years: Elections That Changed American History (at Region 10 ESC)

In order for hours to count towards Exchange Hour Credit, they must occur outside of school hours.

In 2026, the United States will mark our Semiquincentennial: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years — and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.

America’s Field Trip is a contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the opportunity to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”

Click here to learn more

Check Them Out Below:

• October 2024, September 2024, August 2024

If you need ANYTHING, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are here to support YOU!

Secondary Social Studies C&I