Crossing Borders: Using Cross-Content Project-Based Curriculum to Meet Students’ HSE Needs

Abstract: With the introduction of the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS), the changes to the High School Equivalency (HSE) exams, and the increases in employer expectations, students' needs are changing, but it's not realistic to offer separate curriculum for each individual's unique needs. Nor is it possible to build an entirely different program for each pathway (HSE, college-prep, job-training, etc). However, through project-based learning, more of those needs can be met more consistently and more realistically. Through this arrangement, learners gain not only experience and demonstrate a higher level of learning and application, but also create useful cumulative projects, that even have potential to be used in the real world. In this workshop, practitioners who are in the trenches- will dug  into some integrated, project-based curriculum developed by teachers who are in the thick of things.-  Participants explored a cross-content unit plan addressing language arts (reading, writing, and listening/speaking) and social studies content. The unit plans are designed to address the CCRS to meet the needs of HSE students. Strategies for multi-level and drop-in settings were discussed. Practitioners were  also guided/supported in developing additional and/or adapting teaching plans that are specific to their students' needs and share developed plans with other practitioners. ATTACHMENTS: Cross Content Unit Planning Notes Example Combined Resource Social Studies Unit Example Combined Resource Social Studies Unit Instructional Strategy Resources Unit 1 Weekly Overview COABE Pre Conference Crossing Borders