Working with your two new colleagues, brainstorm development of an English Language Arts 6-12 a critical inquiry approach that will address the diverse student population at this school.

1. What historical, institutional, or cultural perspectives and issues might interest these students? What critical inquiry topics might they explore?

2. How might you sequence these topics in the different grade levels? For instance grades 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12? What are some reasons focusing on different inquiries at these different grade levels? How might inquires build on each other?

2. What literary, informational, or visual texts would you use to foster inquiry on these topics? How might you/teachers or student find these materials? How might you keep expenses down?

3. What activities would you engage these students in to support deepening their critical inquiry?

4. How will you assess students' learning? How will you let students know what you are looking for? What specific activities and products can you examine to find evidence of their success?

5. What challenges do you foresee in implementing critical inquiry in this context?

Specifics of your plans must still be developed, presented to curriculum committees, and approved by the district. However, the first School Board Meeting of the school year is being held next week and your principal would like you to make a few remarks about your plans and progress. He feels that the Board and parents need to be aware of your plans and rationale before school begins.

Good luck at this meeting!