Rigor+and+Relevance

School districts that believe that high rigorous courses for ALL students have the right idea. Those who believe rigor is for the few or the advanced are missing the boat.

If we are talking rigor and relevance while integrating technology in our curriculum, then this presentation demonstrates what is possible. http://t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/t4/content/view/221/35/

Across the CMCSS district PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) are making a study of [|Rigor and Relevance] as we ramp up our expectations and education for our students. The link above will take you to the Daggett and McNulty's website and you can view the framework we are using as we develop curricula and learning experiences. Needless to say by incorporating technology tools and problem-based learning wherever feasible more and more classroom lessons can be considered for "D" quadrant or "Adaptation".

Click the link to view the presentation given at the ** Principal's Retreat, June 2008, at Greenwood Technology Center ** on [|Enhancing Rigor and Relevance Using Technology]. Remember each activity that feeder groups participated in are described in detail in this wiki on the appropriate pages. Students today want to learn and become active participants in the learning process. As educators we must develop strategies and best practices to allow students to use what they know how to do (use technology) to reach their potential as they master standards in all subject areas.


 * Brief Glossary of Terms Used Above:**
 * Strategic Goals** are identified, adopted, and published widely within the district on a yearly basis. This is the work of the district to see that all students achieve to their greatest potential.


 * Standards based learning** is what drives the curriculum for our students in all subject areas.

Our **Curriculum Navigator** provides our roadmap / scope and sequence / pacing guide to the curriculum.


 * Benchmarks** are given in the four core subjects three times a year as a checkpoint to students grasping the standards being taught. Results from the benchmarks are disaggregated, and teachers then engage in **Data Chats** to share ideas to increase student learning and determine what populations need interventions.


 * Professional Learning Communities** have been used in the district for the past 3 years to engage educators in dialogues and learning opportunities which bring them **Best Practices** to incorporate into instruction as they teach their curriculum.

Six Trait Plus One Writing is used as the district writing model so that all students are taught the art of writing throughout each grade level in a way that builds and reinforces skills as they are developed.

A strong **Literacy** focus is paramount to our students succeeding in life. Reading and comprehending successfully is mandatory if you want a place in today's workforce.


 * Rigor and Relevance** keeps our students engaged and challenged to become life long learners. And, for our students to be truly viable in the marketplace they must have **Technology** integrated throughout their educational career, so they leave us with the 21st century skills that are in such demand today.

Every school in the district has a **School Improvement Plan (SIP)** which is written and revised yearly taking into account those areas that need improvement and providing a road map towards moving to the next level.


 * Academic Conferences** are held twice a year with each building administrator to review and analyze data and problems, celebrate successes, and plan how to reach the next benchmark of student achievement. Some buildings also hold academic conferences with their staff doing the same work but on a classroom level as opposed to school or district level.


 * Mid-Year Review** provides an opportunity for many stakeholders to come together and share their views / challenges / issues with meeting the strategic goals. It is through the powerful communication and academic knowledge this group provides that enables concerns to be brought forward, needs prioritized and addressed, and successes celebrated.