Designing a Dual Immersion Middle School
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a dual immersion middle school that embodies multiculturalism, empathy, and justice while ensuring rigorous instruction?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we design a school system that reflects the values of multiculturalism, empathy, and justice?
- What are the key components of a dual immersion program, and how can they be integrated effectively?
- How can we ensure rigorous instruction while promoting multiculturalism, empathy, and justice?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Design a comprehensive school system for a dual immersion middle school.
- Incorporate multiculturalism, empathy, and justice into the school's core values and curriculum.
- Ensure rigorous instruction is a key component of the school system.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students'Artifacts from the Future' Museum
Divide students into groups, each tasked with creating an 'artifact' (e.g., a textbook excerpt, a school policy, a student project) from the future dual immersion school. These artifacts should showcase the school's unique approach to multiculturalism, empathy, and justice. Present these in a gallery walk.'Problem Swap': Reimagining Middle School
Students identify and share frustrations or challenges they've experienced in their own middle school settings related to multiculturalism, empathy, or justice. They then 'swap' these problems and brainstorm how the new dual immersion school system could address them.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.'Vision Board Brainstorm'
Students start by brainstorming and creating a vision board that visually represents their ideal dual immersion middle school. This will help them conceptualize the integration of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA vision board showcasing the core values and principles of the ideal dual immersion middle school.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity introduces the core concepts of multiculturalism, empathy, and justice, aligning with the project's learning goals. It also prepares students for research by prompting initial questions and ideas related to W.8.7 and W.8.9.'System Blueprint'
Students design a detailed blueprint of their school system, outlining key components such as curriculum structure, staffing, student support services, and extracurricular activities. This will involve research into existing dual immersion programs and best practices in education.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive blueprint of the dual immersion middle school system, including detailed descriptions of each component and how it aligns with the school's core values.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity directly addresses the project's learning goals by requiring students to design a comprehensive school system (W.8.7). It also involves research and evidence gathering, aligning with W.8.9.'Curriculum Deep Dive'
Students select a specific subject area (e.g., English, Math, Social Studies) and design a sample unit that reflects the school's core values and promotes rigorous instruction. This will involve creating lesson plans, activities, and assessments that integrate multicultural perspectives and promote empathy and justice.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA sample curriculum unit that demonstrates how multiculturalism, empathy, and justice can be integrated into rigorous instruction.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity reinforces the project's learning goals by requiring students to design curriculum that reflects the school's core values. It also involves research and evidence gathering, aligning with W.8.9, as students will need to find resources and strategies for integrating these values into the curriculum.'Policy Proposal'
Students will develop a school policy that addresses a specific issue related to multiculturalism, empathy, or justice. This could include policies on diversity and inclusion, anti-bullying, conflict resolution, or restorative justice.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed policy proposal that addresses a specific issue related to multiculturalism, empathy, or justice, supported by research and evidence.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity reinforces the project's learning goals by requiring students to incorporate multiculturalism, empathy, and justice into the school's policies. It also involves research and evidence gathering, aligning with W.8.7 and W.8.9.'School Pitch Presentation'
Students prepare a presentation pitching their dual immersion middle school system to a panel of 'investors' (teachers, administrators, community members). The presentation should highlight the school's unique features, core values, and potential impact on students and the community.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA persuasive presentation pitching the dual immersion middle school system, showcasing its unique features, core values, and potential impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity allows students to synthesize their learning and present their ideas in a compelling way. It also reinforces the project's learning goals by requiring students to articulate how their school system incorporates multiculturalism, empathy, and justice while ensuring rigorous instruction.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDual Immersion Middle School Design Rubric
Vision & Conceptualization
Demonstrates a clear vision and understanding of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction in a school setting.Vision Board Clarity
Effectively communicates the core values and principles of the ideal dual immersion middle school through the vision board.
Exemplary
4 PointsVision board is exceptionally clear, creative, and effectively represents the integration of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction. It showcases a deep understanding of these concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsVision board is clear and accurately represents the integration of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction. The vision board demonstrates a good understanding of these concepts.
Developing
2 PointsVision board is somewhat unclear or incomplete. It partially represents the integration of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction. Demonstrates an emerging understanding of these concepts.
Beginning
1 PointsVision board is unclear, incomplete, or does not adequately represent the integration of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction. Shows limited understanding of these concepts.
Conceptual Depth
Demonstrates depth of thought and consideration of the core values in the vision board.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction through the vision board. Vision board presents innovative ideas and thoughtful integration of these values.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction through the vision board. Vision board shows a clear integration of these values.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction, but the vision board may lack depth or clarity in the integration of these values.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a limited understanding of multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction. The vision board does not clearly demonstrate the integration of these values.
System Design & Planning
Effectively designs a comprehensive school system that integrates multiculturalism, empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction into its core components.Blueprint Detail
Provides a detailed and comprehensive blueprint of the dual immersion middle school system.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe blueprint is exceptionally detailed and well-organized, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of all components of the school system (curriculum, staffing, support services, etc.). It includes innovative solutions and demonstrates a deep understanding of best practices.
Proficient
3 PointsThe blueprint is detailed and well-organized, demonstrating a good understanding of the key components of the school system (curriculum, staffing, support services, etc.). It reflects a solid understanding of best practices.
Developing
2 PointsThe blueprint is somewhat incomplete or lacks detail in certain areas. It shows an emerging understanding of the key components of the school system, but may not fully address all aspects.
Beginning
1 PointsThe blueprint is incomplete, lacking in detail, and demonstrates a limited understanding of the key components of the school system. It does not adequately address how the school system would function.
Alignment with Values
Effectively integrates multiculturalism, empathy, and justice into each component of the school system.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe blueprint demonstrates an exceptional integration of multiculturalism, empathy, and justice into every aspect of the school system. The alignment with core values is seamless and thoughtfully considered.
Proficient
3 PointsThe blueprint clearly demonstrates how multiculturalism, empathy, and justice are integrated into each component of the school system. The alignment with core values is evident and well-explained.
Developing
2 PointsThe blueprint shows an attempt to integrate multiculturalism, empathy, and justice into the school system, but the alignment may be inconsistent or superficial in some areas.
Beginning
1 PointsThe blueprint does not adequately demonstrate how multiculturalism, empathy, and justice are integrated into the school system. The alignment with core values is weak or missing.
Curriculum Design & Application
Designs a sample curriculum unit that effectively integrates multicultural perspectives and promotes empathy, justice, and rigorous instruction.Unit Plan Quality
The unit plan demonstrates a high level of quality and thoughtfulness in its design.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe unit plan is exceptionally well-designed, creative, and engaging. It demonstrates a deep understanding of curriculum development and instructional strategies.
Proficient
3 PointsThe unit plan is well-designed and effectively integrates learning objectives, activities, and assessments. It demonstrates a solid understanding of curriculum development.
Developing
2 PointsThe unit plan is adequate but may lack detail or coherence in certain areas. It shows an emerging understanding of curriculum development.
Beginning
1 PointsThe unit plan is poorly designed and lacks essential components. It demonstrates a limited understanding of curriculum development.
Integration of Core Values
Effectively integrates multicultural perspectives, empathy, and justice into the curriculum unit.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe unit seamlessly integrates multicultural perspectives, empathy, and justice into all aspects of the curriculum. The integration is thoughtful, authentic, and promotes deep learning.
Proficient
3 PointsThe unit effectively integrates multicultural perspectives, empathy, and justice into the curriculum. The integration is clear and relevant to the subject matter.
Developing
2 PointsThe unit includes some elements of multicultural perspectives, empathy, or justice, but the integration may be superficial or inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsThe unit does not adequately integrate multicultural perspectives, empathy, or justice. The connection to core values is weak or missing.
Policy Development & Advocacy
Develops a comprehensive and well-reasoned policy proposal that addresses a specific issue related to multiculturalism, empathy, or justice.Policy Clarity & Scope
The policy proposal clearly defines the issue and provides a comprehensive solution.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe policy proposal is exceptionally clear, well-defined, and addresses the issue in a comprehensive and innovative manner. It demonstrates a deep understanding of policy development and its potential impact.
Proficient
3 PointsThe policy proposal clearly defines the issue and provides a well-reasoned solution. It demonstrates a solid understanding of policy development.
Developing
2 PointsThe policy proposal is somewhat unclear or incomplete in its definition of the issue or the proposed solution. It shows an emerging understanding of policy development.
Beginning
1 PointsThe policy proposal is poorly defined and lacks a clear solution. It demonstrates a limited understanding of policy development.
Evidence & Justification
Supports the policy proposal with strong evidence and a well-reasoned justification.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe policy proposal is supported by compelling evidence and a well-reasoned justification. It demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issue and its potential impact, using credible and relevant sources.
Proficient
3 PointsThe policy proposal is supported by solid evidence and a clear justification. It demonstrates a good understanding of the issue and its potential impact.
Developing
2 PointsThe policy proposal includes some evidence and justification, but it may be weak or incomplete in certain areas. It shows an emerging understanding of the issue.
Beginning
1 PointsThe policy proposal lacks sufficient evidence or justification. It demonstrates a limited understanding of the issue and its potential impact.
Presentation & Communication
Effectively communicates the key features, core values, and potential impact of the dual immersion middle school system in a persuasive presentation.Presentation Clarity
Presents the school system in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and persuasive. It effectively communicates the school's unique features, core values, and potential impact in a compelling manner.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear, concise, and engaging. It effectively communicates the school's key features, core values, and potential impact.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat unclear or disorganized in certain areas. It shows an emerging understanding of effective communication strategies.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is poorly organized, difficult to understand, and fails to effectively communicate the school's key features or potential impact.
Persuasiveness & Impact
Effectively persuades the 'investors' of the school system's value and potential impact.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is highly persuasive and effectively convinces the 'investors' of the school system's value and potential impact. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the target audience and their needs.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is persuasive and effectively communicates the school system's value and potential impact. It demonstrates a good understanding of the target audience.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat persuasive but may lack clarity or conviction in certain areas. It shows an emerging understanding of the target audience.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is not persuasive and fails to convince the 'investors' of the school system's value or potential impact. It demonstrates a limited understanding of the target audience.