So this is going to be an interesting year for me. I am teaching 7th grade Science and Social Studies. I have never taught Science so that will be new to me, but am pretty comfortable with Science. The fun one is going to be Social Studies. We are moving from Geography to World History (Fall of Rome to Age of Exploration) and we're NOT getting textbooks this year. Going to be loads of fun!!! (said very sarcastically)
So I assume you will have to develop your own curriculum?
Why don't you order the text books for both subjects? I am not suggesting that you use the textbook as a sole resource for instruction, but it can serve you as a guide.
Oh don't worry I never use the textbook as a sole resource, but it would give me an idea of what I'm supposed to teach. As for developing my own curriculum, they've given us the SPI's but that's it so far.
I am a 'special' teacher. I teach computers to preschool through 8th grade. I have never had a text book. I barely have had any guidelines whatsoever as to what to teach. The internet will be your best friend. As will TPT
In my district, teachers are required to teach every subject without textbooks since about 7 years ago.
The district gives a detailed curriculum that follows state guidelines. It includes everything from vocabulary, experiments/activities, and tests... a lot of hands on learning and discussion.
There are state adopted textbooks in the school bookroom, but they stay in the bookroom.
Reading teachers are given individual packets (6 in a group) that contain 1 selection to be taught to small reading groups.
Admin. closely monitor and visit classrooms to make sure all teachers are "on the same page/on district schedule" as far as following the curriculum, and much of it is scripted and lessons follow a set pattern.
It requires teachers to spend a lot of their own time every day after school to prepare for the next day's hands-on lessons-very draining.
State test results are far above state averages.
Far cry from the traditional textbook teaching. It takes about 1 year to adjust. After that, it is just the norm.
I haven't had any textbooks in about 12 years. I am handed the curriculum (or now CC) for my grade level. I have to find my own resources and ideas. Hadn't really thought about having textbooks for a long time! You do get used to it- find someone in a similar situation that you can share ideas/resources with. That helps enormously!
I went through this same situation. No wonder our schools are graduating virtual illiterates. My first year teaching, I was handed a state SOL document, was told to "teach it", and was given no books or materials to get the job done. I worked like a dog, and did my best, but there are some teachers who just aren't willing to put in the hours or put forth the effort. As a result, they do just enough of a horse and pony show to get by.
I have the opposite problem. Last year, I rarely used the books. They didn't teach to the level of our STAAR test and also didn't Follow the TEKS (Texas standards) well. We had a great curriculum (hands on) with a decent scope and sequence. The math TEKS changed this year and all we have is a book; furthermore, they took some of the most fun stuff out and left me with algorithm type work. I hope it's not o painful. I like hands on for math.
I have my 7th World history curriculum covering that time period on my website at www.mrroughton.com. I rarely use the textbook but I agree that having one (or three) to help with planning and such is definitely helpful.
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07-19-2014, 12:24 PM
