HUNTERDON CENTRAL REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

ased approach. This new format was very effective in engaging teachers from across the District in crossdisciplinary
discussions that broadened our base of best-practices, and expanded our pool of human resources
focused on curriculum and instruction. These teacher meetings were complimented by a focus on increased
feedback to the teacher through the use of walkthroughs. These snapshots of practice provided an expanded
look at what was happening in the classroom, and the timeliness of the information enabled more effective
feedback and analysis of teacher work.
Department meetings were used to compliment and scaffold the work targeted in the In-Service, Pathway and
teacher training sessions on UbD. The department-level work focused on ensuring the requirements of the
revised NJ State Core Curriculum Content Standards was being addressed in both the “skills’ and “content”
areas of the CPI. Department members worked in teams to align existing course content and skill development
to the revised standards and to identify authentic, problem- and inquiry-based learning opportunities for
students. Assessment practices and tools were reviewed quarterly and data was analyzed to help inform
refinements.
Every department member participated in the scheduled Technology mini workshops during the school year.
This model supported the individualization of training that teachers most appreciate, enabling them to select
courses of interest from a menu of possibilities. This focus enabled teachers to make a connection to the NJ
Technology Standards and the specifics of their content area. Teachers were able to more readily see and
understand why and how the various technologies might be used to support the development of 21 st Century
skills and content mastery.
Most of the grade nine teachers attended a workshop in the area of Human Sexuality provided by the Center for
Human Sexuality at Rutgers University. This series of workshops provides valuable information in each of the
topic areas covered in grades nine and 11. The materials that were accessed at these workshops were shared
among teachers of the same grade level, evaluated and infused into the 2010-2011 course revisions.
Thirteen Health and Physical Education teachers, representing each grade level, participated in the two-day
summer UbD training. These individuals described an extremely positive experience that built on their
department work from this year, and truly helped to inform their transition to the use of the UbD format for
designing course units.
Staff Recognition
Trese Lang completed a one-to-one program in partnership with Cathy Stutzman of the English Department.
This partnership enabled students in both classes to utilize the technology to explore the concept of competition,
to read and reflect on related literature from both disciplines. Students used the technology for research and to
communicate with their cross-disciplinary group members in debate, discussion, analysis of writing prompts.
Students produced a summary project that embodied this process and reflected a deeper understanding than
their counterparts outside the project.
Upon Michael Carr’s departure to assume a Supervisor/Athletic Director position, Meghan Ibach was appointed
as the Chairperson of the Hunterdon Central NJ Coordinated School Health Program. This program was a result
of a grant written by Dr. Carol Kelley, and funded through the NJ Department of Education, Division of Student
Services, and Office of Educational Support Services. Funding enabled HCRHS to facilitate school Health and
Physical Education assessments, analyze results and target programming to close the gaps in both instruction
and school climate. We have collaborated with the School Wellness Committee to strategize about programs for
students and teachers/staff to meet existing needs. We have also partnered with each of the sending districts to
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