Frequently Asked Questions

Science Modules

What is a Science Module?

A Science Module comes packaged in drawers/tubs and contains a detailed teacher’s guide (goals, objectives, lesson plans, student recording sheets, assessments) and almost all of the materials and equipment necessary to teach inquiry-based science. Students ask questions, do investigations, read, write, and share as they study a science concept through guided inquiry.

Why use Science Modules?

Science Modules are aligned with JCPS World Class Standards and provide the equipment, background content knowledge, and very thorough lesson plans for teachers to use with their students. The units are sequentially developed and include multiple learning strategies, guided practice, and relevance to engage students and allow mastery of the concept.  

How do schools receive the Science Modules?

The Science Modules are stored at the JCPS Science Module Warehouse. The modules are delivered to and picked up from schools on pre-scheduled dates by the district Pony. The modules are delivered prior to teacher use in the classroom and are picked up following the 8-12 week unit.

How are consumable materials in the Modules refurbished?

After a science classroom uses a module, it is returned to the JCPS warehouse for inventory and refurbishment. This prevents the classroom teacher from having to spend time and his/her own money to purchase the consumable materials necessary for inquiry science. Many districts throughout the country have learned that this refurbishment process is the link that ensures successful and sustained inquiry science module implementation.

How will adopting the Science Modules affect scheduling in my building?

School schedules are determined by SBDM Councils. Choosing to adopt Science Modules does not mean schedules must change. In middle school, Science Module investigations can easily be accomplished in five 50-55 minute classes per week. In elementary, P1-P3 modules require two 50 minute classes and three 30 minute classes per week. P4-5th grade modules require five 50 minute classes per week.

How will adopting Science Modules impact staffing in a school?

Staffing is determined by SBDM Councils. Schools would not need to hire additional staff to implement Science Modules. Teachers who currently teacher science would simply use the Science Module curriculum materials.

What kinds of science assessments would be required by the district if a school chooses to adopt Science Modules?

While summative assessments are currently included in Science Module teacher manuals, the district will provide assessments that have been revised to mirror questions on the KCCT. The results from these assessments will be recorded on the Classroom Assessment System. Each module has two tests. Approximately midway through the module, there is a diagnostic test to determine which students are on the way to mastery. At the end of each module there is a summative assessment to determine students’ level of mastery.

Sixth and Seventh Grade Mathematics System

What's different about the new Mathematics System?

The system being offered to schools is designed to match the "Vision for Mathematics Teaching" currently being developed by the grant work team. It intentionally incorporates conceptual and procedural development of mathematical ideas into the professional development, materials, assessment, and interventions systems. The system provides support to teachers for maintaining this type of teaching in their classrooms through ongoing professional development and encourages the development of Professional Learning Communities for continued improvement of mathematics teaching and learning.  Come back soon to read more about the "Vision for Mathematics Teaching."

What PD will I be expected to attend?

A summer institute will offer a minimum of 18 hours of professional development that will include: 

• Orientation to the materials
• Exploration of the JCPS vision for mathematics teaching
• World Class Standards
• Using rich problems in the classroom
• Assessments for learning and authentic intellectual work
• Other choices for mathematics teachers

This will be available for stipend or credit. Additional "just in time" PD will be available throughout the school year. There will be no Gold Day PD in conjunction with the GE Grant.

What types of assessments will be required by the district?

Participating schools agree to administer and report results of common end-of-unit assessments. Formative assessments will be used at the discretion of the teacher.

If our school participates this year, will we be obligated to eighth grade Algebra next year?

Yes, that is the goal of the grant. As the district moves toward Algebra in eighth grade, we are planning to create a sequence of courses and standards that flow from elementary through high school. 

Schools will be invited to participate in a curriculum selection process next winter to choose materials that support eighth grade Algebra. In addition, we foresee convening focus groups from participating schools to help inform the math team of the support needed as students transition to algebra in the eighth grade.

What implications will participation in the math program have on our schedule?

Connected Mathematics 2 recommends no less than 55 minute mathematics periods every day. 

What is a Professional Learning Community?

Linda Starr of Education-World.com defines Professional Learning communities as teams of educators systematically working together to improve teaching practice and student learning. Research suggests that such learning communities are characterized by:

• supportive and shared leadership
• shared values and vision
• collective responsibility for pupils' learning
• the promotion of personal reflection and team collaboration
• supportive physical and personal conditions

What about mastery assessments?

During the first year of implementation, end-of-unit assessments will be piloted.   Strategies will be provided for assisting students who are unsuccessful. In the 2008-09 school year intervention and/or course recovery will be provided for students not passing end-of-unit exams.

How long is the "life of the grant"?

The intent of the original grant was to include four years of program implementation. The current grant will run through at least 2009-10, but may extend an additional year to allow for a full implementation period.

How will our participation affect the Advance Program?

The district is finalizing a plan that will meet the needs of students in fifth through seventh grades as we transition from the current use of Connected Mathematics to the World Class curriculum alignment. The Advance Program teachers will be provided with additional materials such as additional lessons and units as appropriate. Specific materials will be determined and produced by the JCPS/JCTA math team.

SuccessMaker®

What is SuccessMaker®?

SuccessMaker® is a computer-based software program that provides adaptive, individualized intervention in math concepts and skills. SuccessMaker® addresses global skill weaknesses in mathematics by balancing skills mastery with concept development. SuccessMaker® is a product of Pearson Digital Learning.

How does SuccessMaker® work?

SuccessMaker® is an adaptive software program that can provide individualized interventions for students. SuccessMaker® has an internal process called the Initial Placement Motion (IPM) during which students are assessed by the program. The IPM reveals the current math level of each student and provides a trajectory of use toward grade level which. The trajectory of  use includes the number of hours "on task" needed in the program to achieve grade level expectations in math. Students participate in 15- to 20-minute sessions. The number of sessions is determined by the level of intervention needed for the student and there is no "daily" requirement. However, the intensity and duration of intervention should be strategically determined in order for students to move to grade level quickly.

Which students will participate in SuccessMaker®?

The initial SuccessMaker® implementation is focused on novice math students in grades 3-8. The district will provide a list of targeted students to the schools. In the future, SuccessMaker® could be customized for use in enrichment and specific courses.

How will adopting SuccessMaker® affect scheduling in my building?

School schedules are determined by the SBDM Council. Choosing to adopt SuccessMaker® does not mean schedules must change. A Pearson Digital Learning Consultant in collaboration with the GE Math Team will provide scheduling support during the professional development sessions for SuccessMaker®.

What kind of technology will be needed to utilize SuccessMaker®?

SuccessMaker® can be implemented in a classroom or in a computer lab. Upon a school's agreement to participate in the SuccessMaker® program, the district will ensure that the schools will be equipped to efficiently implement the program. A preliminary study was conducted at each of the schools invited to implement SuccessMaker® by Telecom and Management Information Systems (MIS). For those schools agreeing to implement SuccessMaker®, a more detailed review of technology will be conducted with school personnel. SuccessMaker® does not run on a wireless network.

Who will help implement SuccessMaker® in the building and how will they be trained?

Upon a school's agreement to participate in the SuccessMaker® program, a team from each building will work with district and Pearson personnel to design a strategic plan to implement the software ensuring all technology and curriculum needs are met. One to two individuals from this team should be identified to be SuccessMaker® Liaison for the building. A SuccessMaker® Liaison will attend an intensive initial training provided by Pearson Digital Learning. Afterwards, SuccessMaker® Liaisons can choose ongoing support with full-day sessions and periodic after school sessions. All classroom teachers and administrators using SuccessMaker® will be offered training by Pearson Digital Learning.

What kind of support can my school expect from Pearson Digital Learning?

Pearson Consultants will oversee the installation at all schools and provide in-depth training for SuccessMaker® Liaisons, as well as training for classroom teachers and administrators. Pearson Consultants will assist building leadership teams with designing and monitoring a SuccessMaker® implementation plan aligned with each school's goals. Schools can expect daily access to phone support to help with any SuccessMaker® software related troubleshooting. Pearson consultants will visit buildings regularly to provide technology and curriculum support.