PIE GUIDING PRINCIPLES

In PIE, teaching and learning:

1. Are centered around big concepts and ideas that are integrated across the curriculum.

• Whole ideas, events and materials are presented in purposeful context.
• Concepts and skills are interrelated, making learning meaningful.

(T,P) What is a Big Idea? By Grant Wiggins

(T,P) What is an Essential Question? By Grant Wiggins

T. Wagner: Survival Skill #7 "Curiosity and Imagination" are fostered by this type of teaching and learning.

2. Affirm students’ interests, ideas, and points of view as essential to the learning process.

• Each child possesses a unique social, emotional, and intellectual developmental profile.
• Conferencing and goal setting encourages students to take initiative for their own learning.

(T,P) Learner-Centered vs. Curriculum-Centered Teachers: Which Type are You?

(T,P) Student Reports - Personal Learning Goals
(P) Setting Family Goals

T. Wagner: Survival Skill #4 "Initiative and Entrepreneurialism"

3. Promote a community whose members include parents, students, and teachers as partners.

• Members of the community exchange ideas to create engaging learning experiences.
• Community members, along with district leaders, assume key roles in the growth and
   well being of the program.

(P,T) Teach the Children Well: Resources for Parents and Teachers

(P) Your Kid’s Ed.

4. Capitalize on students’ various developmental levels to effect academic and social growth.

• Teachers endeavor to address the diverse needs and abilities of their students with
   practices that include: peer tutoring, flexible grouping and cooperative learning.
• Learning is socially constructed and often interactive; teachers create classroom
   interactions that scaffold learning.

(P,T) Old Fashion Play Builds Serious Skills

(T,P) Developmentally Appropriate Practices
(T,P) Differentiating Instruction: Meeting Students Where They Are

T. Wagner: Survival Skill #2 "“Collaboration and Leadership”"

5. Are assessed and evaluated with a variety of materials.

• Instruction and authentic assessment are woven together.
• Developmental continuums provide the link between instruction, assessment,
   New York State Standards, and student portfolios.

(T,P) Examples of Developmental Continuums

(T,P) Portfolio Assessment
(T,P) Portfolios

6. Foster the growth and development of socially responsible citizens and lifelong learners.

• Students are encouraged to make responsible choices within the framework of
   classroom expectations.
• Students are given opportunities to take an active role in solving problems in their community.
• Learning is framed as an active process that extends beyond the parameters of school.

(P,T) Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen: Activities 1

(P,T) Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen (PDF 661KB)

T. Wagner: Survival Skill #1 "“Critical Thinking and Problem Solving”