ASCD, in collaboration with the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), is preparing to launch a consortium of schools interested in developing and implementing interdisciplinary curriculums. Fifteen schools will be selected and will hold an initial meeting in November at IMSA.
The purpose of the consortium is to investigate issues in integrative teaching and learning across the subject areas and to develop interdisciplinary curriculum units to share and disseminate. IMSA's "Integrative Learning System," a process for developing interdisciplinary curriculum, will guide development of the interdisciplinary units. The consortium's work will also include exploration of novel approaches to authentic teaching, learning, and assessment suited to interdisciplinary curriculum.
ASCD will ensure that selected schools are diverse in size, location, student population, and instructional focus. Schools serving all grades K–12 are welcome to apply, and prior experience with interdisciplinary studies is not required. Schools chosen to participate in the consortium will send small teams (four to six people, including at least three teachers and one administrator or curriculum resource person) to two meetings per year over three years. ASCD funds the cost of consortium meetings, program evaluation, and dissemination of materials. Team costs (travel, in-district planning, etc.) must be borne by the participating school districts.
To obtain an application for participation in the consortium, call Jeff Rupp at ASCD at (703) 549-9110, ext. 512. The deadline for returning completed applications is Oct. 6, 1993. Schools selected for participation will be notified by Oct. 13. For additional information, contact Frank Betts at ASCD, (703) 549-9110, ext. 516, or Michael Palmisano at IMSA, (708) 907-5070.