The Way We Were...The Way We CAN Be: A Vision for the Middle School through Integrated Thematic Instruction. Second Edition.

This book proposes a new view of middle school curriculum and the specifics of how to create such a curriculum. It introduces the notion that the approach to developing a curriculum appropriate for adolescents should be based on similarities of human learning at different ages, as well as the uniqueness of the adolescent. Chapter 1 highlights six fundamental notions about how the human brain learns, including intelligence as a function of experience and the impact of personality. Chapter 2 outlines how these notions can be implemented in the classroom and school to create a "brain-compatible" learning environment. Chapter 3 looks at the issue of curriculum and offers suggestions for a new "meme"-based curriculum. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 describe the steps necessary to complete the three stages in developing integrated curriculum: creating a yearlong theme with monthly components and weekly topics, identifying key points, and developing inquiries. Chapter 7 presents several tools for evaluating student learning in ways that are brain-compatible, consistent with goals of the authentic assessment movement, and that can also satisfy district needs for student and teacher assessment and accountability. Chapter 8 describes the possible stages in the transition to a fully integrated and brain-compatible integrated thematic instruction program for students. The chapter discusses each of five transition models, its structures and advantages, and tips and pitfalls to help teachers implement whichever model is selected. Three appendices cover characteristics of middle grade students, the chemistry of nurturing intelligence, and pattern shapers. (TJQ)