Scholarship Winner Report 2003
Sandra Arguijo

Dear Academic Advocates:

I would like to thank you for choosing me to be the recipient of your teacher scholarship for 2003. I am honored to have had the opportunity, as I personally strive to promote academic excellence to benefit the district and students.

Back in Feb. 2003, I had the idea to create a scope and sequence for third grade based on a timeline format. Using the matrices for Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science, I integrated the curriculum based on a historical timeline.

I originally began with our two reading basals. The stories were put in order based on history. Then Science and Social Studies were inserted. I believe students can become lifelong productive learners through "making connections."

Teaching my scope and sequence is all about making connections. For example, I can use the Pilgrims and Johnny Appleseed as a lead into learning about soils, plants, resources, animals, citizenship, government and communities.

My timeline also includes vocabulary, lists of books, videos, songs, webquests, and cooperative team building games. I have creativity projects which meet the needs of students through the use of multiple intelligences.

I was accepted into a two week Lego Robotics training during the summer through National Instruments. They have a partnership with the Lego Company and University of Texas. An educational program teaching engineering concepts has been implemented in my classroom.

All of the above are tied in with our District goals. When I finished my scope and sequence, I could then see where I was in need of additional supplies and resources for my classroom. I chose to utilize the $250 scholarship award on books, CD's, videos, and legos.

After attending a Roger Taylor workshop, I completed an integrated interdisciplinary thematic study unit with a co-worker. These units are designed to be taught over a 20 to 30 day period. I would like to create ten units that would cover my entire scope and sequence.

I have written a proposal to present on my scope and sequence for the upcoming February Conference of 2004. I invite the Academic Advocate Committee to attend. You are also invited to visit my classroom and I'm willing to discuss any questions you might have in further detail. Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Sandra E. Arguijo