Grade 8 Changing our World

1. Grade 8 Changing our World Jill Shull

2. The “Big Idea” "In the present circumstances, no one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems. Every individual has a responsibility to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes are not sufficient; we must become actively engaged." -Dalai Lama

3. About me… • This is my second year teaching at ISM. We arrived two years ago from Hong Kong where I taught at HKIS. • I have 3 daughters—1 in the high school at ISM and two in college in the US. • I grew up in Wisconsin, but have lived almost half of my life overseas in Europe, South America, Africa, but mostly Asia. • I enjoy visiting national parks, cooking, reading and gardening. • The best way to contact me is email: shullj@ismanila.org

4. Major Topics • Human rights • Child abuse (Stairway Foundation) • Malnutrition (Makabata Foundation) • Lack of quality education (Caliraya) • Disintegration of indigenous cultures (Subic- Aeta) • Discrimination based on ability (Chosen Children Village) • Industrial agriculture (GeoFarm) • Animal abuse (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) • Marine eco-system destruction (Batangas Marine Station) • Sustainable development • Global citizenship

5. Assessment

6. Essential Questions • These open-ended provocative questions are designed to guide student inquiry and focus instruction for “uncovering” the important ideas of the understandings. • Ex: How can we live sustainably?

7. Assessments • Performance Assessments • Performance Task with a Rubric • Other Assessments • Tests, quizzes, projects, essays • Levels of Proficiency • Exemplary (E) 100% • Proficient (P) 88% • Developing (D) 76% • Emerging (EM) 64%

8. Grades • Grades are calculated according to TOTAL POINTS earned • Homework for completion only will earn between 1 and 5 points • Tests, quizzes and other medium sized assessments in which a student must demonstrate understanding will earn approximately 20 to 30 points • Performance Tasks will earn approximately 50 to 60 points • To calculate: divide number of points earned by the number of possible points • Grades are calculated at the semester

9. Learning Experiences • Learning experiences are planned “with the end in mind”…to give students the practice they need to demonstrate the intended learnings in a unit of study. They may include: • Simulations • Reflections • Oral presentations • Class discussions • Note taking and research strategies • Individual projects • Group Projects • Role Play

10. Supporting Your Child • View my blog for week overview, handouts and resources • Check PowerSchool once every two weeks • Speak to your son or daughter first, and then email teachers with questions • Arrange conferences through MS Office • Discuss Current Events at home • Offer encouragement and constructive feedback when your child shows his/her work by asking what he/she thinks was done well or could be improved • Go through the planner with your child on a regular basis • Encourage tutorial attendance Tuesdays and Thursdays

11. Service Requirement • Students will be required to complete one service experience. This could be done during a school organized and sponsored “Saturday Service” event, or through an outside event (church, Boys Scouts, outside organization, family, etc.)

12. Thank you! Please contact me with questions or concerns as they arise so that we can work together to support your child. Email- shullj@ismanila.org Blog- shullj.ism-online.org