What are some strategies for developing an interdisciplinary K-12 curriculum?

In considering a theme or problem, also consider the Circles of Context around the learner that need to be addressed: 1. Their physical selves 2. Their minds 3. Their families 4. Their social groups 5. Their culture 6. Their careers and economy 7. Their civic engagement 8. All humanity 9. All life 10. The physical universe While the curriculum does not necessary need to focus on all these contexts, at least by considering each context, the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum will be more broadly flushed out.

Developing interdisciplinary K-12 curriculum involves integrating content from multiple subjects having similar or related topics . Strategies include collaborative planning among teachers, identifying common themes and topics, creating project-based learning experiences, and fostering connections between subjects to enhance students' understanding of real-world applications. Regular communication and professional development opportunities for teachers can also support the effective implementation of interdisciplinary curriculum.

Developing an effective interdisciplinary K-12 curriculum involves identifying core concepts, collaborating among teachers, and creating real-world connections. Establish clear learning goals aligned with standards, and use project-based learning and integrated assessments. Provide ongoing professional development, leverage technology, and connect with the community for real-world perspectives. Encourage cross-curricular literacy, maintain flexibility, and regularly assess and refine the curriculum based on feedback. The goal is to create a cohesive, engaging, and holistic educational experience that prepares students with interconnected knowledge and skills for the real world!

When implementing problem or project based learning, it is crucial that the problem or scenario be as authentic as possible and have real-world applications. Involving student voice and choice is also vital because it increases the likelihood that learners will connect and engage with the learning.

Alignment is crucial. Too often, I've seen educators make the mistake of assigning projects that do not actually align with the standards and objectives they are teaching. When this happens, it disproportionately impacts learners who traditionally struggle academically because they are not making connections between what they are learning and how they are being assessed. That disconnect can heighten behavioral and emotional problems in learners.

Create new standards entirely that reveal how interdisciplinary learning is actually much more simple than what a matrix might suggest. Often, we find standards of learning are one-dimensional and linear in nature due to the parameters of subject boxing. Curriculum needs to move in a direction that forges new standards rather than placing the burden on educators to draw lines and new boxes. The infrastructure must support the endeavor.

Determining the competencies you have as the objective for students to gain is critical, and the Classification of Competencies framework standard can help with ensuring that all major areas of competencies are considered in the process: * Ethics: Isn't this the root of what should be done? * Habits/System 1 Thinking: Too valuable to ignore * Physical Skills: PE actually increases test scores * Memory: Mnemonics & other memory enhancers * Creativity: Necessary if we are to stay ahead of AI * Continual Improvement: Only way to expertise * Reasoning: Critical thinking must be based on this * Communicating: Beyond English, nonverbal, etc. * Math: What will really be useful to the students? * Technology: This is the future, and today

Also consider: How will feedback be provided to students in your curriculum? There is mounting evidence that we learn most from feedback and improving based on feedback, yet traditionally a student will turn in their work, get it marked, and then not do anything else with that feedback. Thus it is important to research about how feedback can be provided and used to have the most value for students.

Once I identify what the end goal of my unit is, I can select super fun, engaging but impactful lessons/activities that will teach skills across the disciplines. That’s also when I consider what assessment tools I can use throughout learning. Planning is one of my favorite parts of teaching! I love knowing where I’m going and how I’m getting there! Then, it’s pure joy seeing it all come together!

During the development, it is extremely valuable if you are able to bring in various collaborators who are subject matter experts (SMEs), but don't only look for traditional SMEs. Practitioners in the field often will provide a viewpoint that can be missed by only talking with other academics. And when the curriculum is ready to be shared, continue to get feedback from those who you are sharing the curriculum with. Further, if there was any public funding of your curriculum then consider the ethical duty to release the curriculum as an open educational resource so that it can benefit the public who paid for it.