QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – FOURTH GRADE TEACHERS

OCTOBER 4, 2002

QUESTIONS	ANSWERS
1. Is the Rand McNally Atlas appropriate for 4^th grade and is it the same as 3^rd grade? (the 3^rd grade is not really an atlas) Because the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th grades all use the Junior Atlas, how do we know what to teach and what to avoid re-teaching? Are there assigned lessons for each grade?	Because a scope and sequence for the use of the Rand McNally Atlas has not been developed, it was suggested at a grade level meeting that the curriculum department organize a group of teachers to create a scope and sequence. With conferences in November, we do not plan on putting this group together until after Winter Break. In the meantime, maps should be considered resources that teachers can use as needed to teach the major concepts found in their social studies curriculum. Social studies skills, including map skills, are outlined in the appendix section of the curriculum guide starting on page 103.
2. What resources do we have for teachers about world/US regions? (The current resources only go in depth for WA State)	All elementary teachers received a World/U. S. Wall Map and Globe. There are also blackline masters of the world and US in the back of the Junior Atlas book starting on page 113.
3. Where are some materials for comparative regions that include economics?	The fourth grade textbook identifies five regions of Washington State (page 19) and then goes into geographical descriptions with information about the economy of each region. The book also compares Washington with other countries around the Pacific Rim.
4. How about supplemental resources for social studies like a kit for individual buildings?	Resources were allocated to each elementary school last spring that could be used for supplemental resources in social studies. Because teachers organize their instruction around the “big ideas” found in the social studies curriculum they each have a unique way that they might approach teaching the material. It would be very difficult to put together a kit that covered everyone’s needs. Supplemental materials that support fourth grade social studies may also be available through library media services.
5. The 5^th grade social studies committee determined that there would be a 2 year implementation in order to get full classroom sets into every 5^th grade classroom. Is that still going to happen?	Principals were asked last spring to identify needs regarding purchase of social studies materials. Any additional materials that were requested were ordered over the summer and distributed to the buildings. There are no plans at this time to purchase additional materials.
6. What is the district’s recommendation for combination classrooms when using the social studies curriculum?	A need has been expressed by combination teachers for time to collaborate and review the curriculum together to come up with ways to teach multiple grades in a single setting. The curriculum/professional development department would be glad to provide some time for teachers to meet and plan together.
7. Could we have a copy of the unit design template electronically?	Yes, The unit planning template will be sent to all teachers with these minutes as well as electronically. Draft units that were developed at the grade level meeting will also be shared with all teachers.
8. To bring depth to my teaching, I often bring in recent materials that are relevant and interesting. Is it OK to use materials that are not approved?	Teacher resources can be used to supplement District Curriculum. However, if these materials are to be used year after year, then the Instructional Materials Committee must approve them.
9. What is the Thinker Tools Curriculum?	This would make a great online project/exploration focus!