All frameworks for our units of curriculum  include the following elements:

• Interdisciplinary

• Thematic

• Project-Based

• Research-Oriented

• Connected to Community - local, state, national and global

• Global Classroom - students will use the Internet to conduct research as well as to create and publish, and will collaborate with students, organizations, and experts from around the world in research projects.

• Multicultural

• Authentic Assessments - performance-based and rubrics

• Multiple Intelligences

• Multiple literacies

• Multiple Media Literacies - students will utilize media literacy skills to analyze and critique as well as produce media messages

• Critical Pedagogy - all frameworks will address issues related to social justice as well as helping the students learn to critique what they see and hear in the world, then envision possibilities for improvement and make and implement plans of action for personal and social change.

• State and National Standards - teachers will be sure that all standards are met within the units.

• Assessments, Activities, Materials and Desired Outcomes are fully aligned

• Multiple intelligences

• Service-learning possibilities

• Provide for parental participation and contribution

 

All Frameworks include:

• Individual, small group and whole group activities, instruction and assessments

• Utilize multiple forms of media for implementation and assessment

• Strategies for developing independent and interdependent students

• Resources - from recommended children's literature to web sites, agencies and organizations