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What is Teaming? 

 

 

Team….the word conjures up a variety of mental constructs. To Team 071 at James S. Wilson Middle School, ‘teaming’ is critical in facilitating student learning, and team members are found throughout the entire building. Although there is always daily interaction, core team members formally meet on a weekly basis to plan activities and integrate learning topics and skills. We are able to coordinate student expectations and classroom routines and policies. Student progress is discussed and recommendations are made concerning individual students.

Our team includes the seventh grade learning support children, so the inclusion of the learning support teacher as a core teacher is crucial.

She provides needed scaffolding by working directly with any student in need and by collaborating with the team concerning adaptations to be made in the regular classroom. Adaptations may include mutual planning, curriculum modification, test adaptations, and alternative activities.

The core team also meets with the gifted support coordinator, who assists in planning enrichment activities and independent study opportunities. Together, the team members work to provide a differentiated learning environment for the students.

Additionally, the core team meets biweekly with the school’s instructional support teacher and

the guidance counselor. At these times, student academic and behavioral issues originally brought up at the core team meetings are discussed. An action plan for each student is created and implemented by all present. Students may begin scheduled visits to the instructional support teacher for help with academic issues or because they have organizational difficulties preventing them from being successful. Behavioral issues are directed to the guidance counselor and administration. Behavior plans are developed and implemented by all staff.

Parents are also an important part of the team. Individual team members often make parent contact via phone or e-mail. Some parents receive a weekly e-mail update on their child. This close correspondence between school and home assists both teachers and parents in supporting the students’ learning.  During an IEP, GIEP, or other parent conference, all core team members are present as well as the instructional support teacher, guidance counselor, and principal/vice-principal when necessary.

Administrators have supported our team efforts by providing us with a schedule, which allows us to meet and plan regularly. Without this schedule, we would find it almost impossible to monitor and support our students as closely as we are now able.

All of these ‘teaming’ interactions help students and teachers succeed and grow as individuals and as members of the JSW school family. It’s often very challenging, but we like it!

Team 071 of the James S. Wilson Middle School

Millcreek Township School District, Erie, PA