General+Thoughts

This is an area to brainstorm your ideas about the MDP. What kinds of projects/skills are we interested in promoting in YCS?

The MDP: General Observations Ø  Topic culled from curriculum o  It is believed that the current topic selection process is too open-ended, allowing for topics that are not educationally sound and repetitious. o  Some topics are not relevant to the subjects being taught. Ø  Focused on specific content o  Each core subject can take topic tied to curriculum (social studies, science, language arts, math, etc.) Ø  Students present to class groups/teams (not whole school) o  It is believed that the current presentation day setup is too large and complex. Ø  Presentation should take place within the unit of study o  It is believed that presentations given in the unit of study would be more effective and relevant. Ø  Flexible scheduling which allows for specialists to work with teachers Ø  Smaller timeframe (one quarter, not year-long) Ø  Smaller scale Some general questions: Ø  Is the MDP mandatory? Ø  Should the MDP follow a year-long trajectory? Ø  Can the MDP have small group projects, rather than individual assignments? Ø  Can the MDP be based explicitly on topics from the curriculum?
 * The committee thought the MDP would work more effectively if: **
 * The committee asked several organizational questions: **