Subject Matter Knowledge

• Subject Matter Knowledge
  1. Prior to skimming some of this Web site content
     • Think about why teachers need expertise in the subjects they teach.
     • Give two examples of how the California teacher credentialing agency could know that teachers understand the subject matter they are hired to teach.
  2. After reading some of the content in these California teacher professional development modules, describe three differences you think other states may have for their teachers in subject matter knowledge.

Lesson Plan Design

Teachers use best practices in developing lesson plans to deliver subject matter instruction. Here are some current practices:

• 3 Steps to Writing Better Lesson Plans
  1. Prior to reading this Web page, define a lesson plan and your ideas of what would be the components of planning.
  2. After reading this Web page, list three important steps for creating a better-aligned lesson plan.
• Examples of lesson plans in action:
  • Inquiry-Based Learning in the Science Classroom Beginning

    Middle schools science students seek answers through research, experimentation, and data analysis.

  • 4th Grade Math - Understanding Fractions

    Elementary math students build an understanding of math concepts.