Exploratory Curricular

Programs :
Learning the benefits for both adolescents and educators

SED 464
Andrew Rivas
Rocio Rivas
Alex Weidlein
Objective & Standards

By the end of the lesson, the students will describe the influence of exploratory curricular
programs on adolescents and educators using a fill in the blanks graphic organizer.

9(d) The teacher actively seeks professional, community, and technological resources,
within and outside the school, as supports for analysis, reflection, and problem-solving.

9(e) The teacher reflects on his/her personal biases and accesses resources to deepen
his/her own understanding of cultural, ethnic, gender, and learning differences to build
stronger relationships and create more relevant learning experiences.
Exploratory Curricular Program
Introduction
Essentially electives

Anything outside core curriculum

Music, video production, arts, drama/theater, foreign language, health, life

skills, technology.

For many students, middle school may be the last opportunity to explore new
subjects and interests.

Purpose is to offer wide-ranging opportunities and experiences that students

would not otherwise have.
Bell Ringer

With your shoulder partner, write down your knowledge,

experiences or examples ( 2 details minimum) of
exploratory curricular programs. After 30 seconds of
discussion, be prepared to share responses with the class.
Guiding Questions

What are exploratory curricular

programs?

How do they influence adolescents?

How do educators contribute to

exploratory curricular programs?
What are exploratory curricular
programs?

Exploratory curricular
programs are trials of
students' specialized
interests, aptitudes, and
abilities as a basis for
decisions regarding
educational opportunities.
How do exploratory curricular programs
influence adolescents?

Talent discovery

Engaging and participatory

Showcasing opportunities

Development of healthy leisure habits

Building relationships with peers and

community
 White Board Wipe-Out
Upon receiving your whiteboard and marker, respond to the following
questions:
What is an example of exploratory curricular program?

True or false: exploratory programs are only for creative students.

In one word, describe the adolescent benefit of joining exploratories.

How do educators contribute to
exploratory curricular programs?

Leadership roles

Building relationships with students

Communication between with core

teachers and exploratory teachers

Providing extraordinary opportunities

and learning experiences for students
Find Someone Who...

On the back of your Notes Sheet, there are 3 prompts. Find 3 seperate peers to
help you answer these prompts. 30 seconds with each partner:
Find someone who can:
Define exploratory curricular programs in one sentence
List one benefit for adolescents in exploratory programs
List one responsibility as an educator working with exploratory teachers
Works Cited

Brazee, E. (2000). Exploratory Curriculum in the Middle School. Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, 1-7. Retrieved
November 9, 2018, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED447970.pdf.
Ferreira, Karina (n.d.). White Board Wipe-Out. Retrieved November 16, 2018, from
http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/white-board-wipe-out
Randall, A. (n.d.). Find Someone Who. Retrieved November 16, 2018, from http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/find-someone-who.