I think this is good for both vertical and horizontal alignment. I also like the idea of the teachers determining the ins and outs together. I agree that some of those conversations can be intense but the power in the end is a more determined results orientation from everyone. I also like that you said it became more about what the students need. Collaboration is essential!

It makes sense to collaborate across grade levels especially when there are students with special learning needs, the SPED teacher will be able to stay on track with general ed better because modifying the lessons will be easier as they plan across grade levels to meet specific objectives. Checking for student understanding by assessing what they know when they arrive is always best practice such as the ins and outs process. Nicely explained in the video. 

Awesome on every level.  This video has opened my eyes on how important it is to collaborate acroos different grade levels.  I'm also going to use the 5 ins and 5 out at my next meeting to build a much stronger vertical Articulation from middle to high school.  Thank you

1. What is the purpose of the "ins and outs" as described in the video?
   Ins and Outs describe what students need to have coming into a class (from a previous grade level) and what the students should have at the end of a course.  This could also be used for learning units (what is needed coming into a unit and at the end of the unit).
2. How do these curriculum alignment efforts compare and contrast to alignment work at your school?
   We utilize learning objectives well, but seldom do we track what they should have entering a course.
3. How do the ELA teams record and track their curriculum alignment efforts?
   The teams use charts and rubrics to track these efforts.

The Teaching Channel is now a paid subscription. How unfortunate in todays times when the cover of unequity in education has been pulled off.