Identify a Pilot Team for Mapping
Start where effective activities have already opened the door to integrating the theme into instructional practice. Recruit grade-level or content-area team members whose subject areas have the strongest connections to the theme; some of them may already be using lessons and approaches that can help you jumpstart theme integration.
Relying on the Pilot Team’s support to develop and pilot theme integration instruments and materials, you can gradually expand your efforts and create strong knowledge and a good foundation for later work. This incremental approach accommodates both early implementers and reluctant teachers.
It is critical that Pilot Team members have experience in planning and working collaboratively. For pointers on how a community of practice can support and capture collaborative work, download the January 2013 issue of The Magnet Compass (.pdf).
You should also engage the Facilitation Team in supporting the Pilot Team’s theme integration work, using additional staff in various advisory and coordinating capacities. Resources such as the downloadable Curricular Strengths and Barriers Protocol (.doc) might be useful to the Facilitation Team for this phase of work.
LEADERSHIP TIP
Encourage some teachers who are enthusiastic and/or knowledgeable about the theme to join the Pilot Team even if their subject or grade level won’t be captured in the pilot maps. Capitalize on this motivation as a way to gain theme-related expertise for the team and to build buy-in for theme integration among the larger staff.
QUICK WIN
Before the Pilot Team begins work on the initial curriculum maps, ask one or more experts from the school’s partners (e.g., higher education, business, or community-based organizations) to consult with teachers to help build in rigor, relevance, and local connections from the start.
