Using state-of-the-art tools and industry-specific technology.  Participating in a sequence of learning experiences.  RIGOROUS & INTEGRATED Rigorous & Integrated (Work that Challenges) Students can be seen… Engaging in deep critical thinking using challenging material and industry-specific problem-solving tools.  Designing and publicly defending high quality project solutions.  Articulating how they are mastering the Common Core State Standards.  Pointing out connections across subjects in theme-based interdisciplinary projects.  Section X Integrated Curriculum Design – Creating an Integrated Curriculum Designing a multidisciplinary integrated curriculum is a primary focus of Academies in WCCUSD. The goal of Integrated Projects is to increase student learning and engagement by having students tackle real-world problems that require mastery of content area knowledge and skills. Research has shown that students are more motivated to learn when they need to acquire knowledge in order to accomplish a complex task or project. of the most powerful strategies teachers can use to make learning “One relevant is to place academics within the context of issues and problems from the world of work” (Designing a Multidisciplinary Integrated Curriculum: A Practical Manual, ConnectEd, ). Producing a successful integrated project or unit starts with the Six A’s: Academic and Technical Rigor Projects are designed to address key learning standards – identified by the school or district. Authenticity Projects use a real-world context (e.g., community and workplace – problems) and address issues that matter to the students. Applied Learning Projects engage students in solving problems calling for – competencies expected in high-performance work organizations. Active Exploration Projects extend beyond the classroom by connecting to internships, – field-based investigations, and community explorations. Adult Connections Projects connect students with adult mentors and coaches from the – wider community. Assessment Practices Projects involve students in regular performance-based – exhibitions and assessments of their work; evaluation criteria reflect personal, school, and real-world standards of performance.
 Using state-of-the-art tools and industry-specific technology.  Participating in a sequence of learning experiences. RIGOROUS & INTEGRATED Rigorous & Integrated (Work that Challenges) Students can be seen…  Engaging in deep critical thinking using challenging material and industry-specific problem-solving tools.  Designing and publicly defending high quality project solutions.  Articulating how they are mastering the Common Core State Standards.  Pointing out connections across subjects in theme-based interdisciplinary projects. Section X – Integrated Curriculum Design Creating an Integrated Curriculum Designing a multidisciplinary integrated curriculum is a primary focus of Academies in WCCUSD. The goal of Integrated Projects is to increase student learning and engagement by having students tackle real-world problems that require mastery of content area knowledge and skills. Research has shown that students are more motivated to learn when they need to acquire knowledge in order to accomplish a complex task or project. “One of the most powerful strategies teachers can use to make learning relevant is to place academics within the context of issues and problems from the world of work” (Designing a Multidisciplinary Integrated Curriculum: A Practical Manual, ConnectEd, ). Producing a successful integrated project or unit starts with the Six A’s: Academic and Technical Rigor – Projects are designed to address key learning standards identified by the school or district. Authenticity – Projects use a real-world context (e.g., community and workplace problems) and address issues that matter to the students. Applied Learning – Projects engage students in solving problems calling for competencies expected in high-performance work organizations. Active Exploration – Projects extend beyond the classroom by connecting to internships, field-based investigations, and community explorations. Adult Connections – Projects connect students with adult mentors and coaches from the wider community. Assessment Practices – Projects involve students in regular performance-based exhibitions and assessments of their work; evaluation criteria reflect personal, school, and real-world standards of performance.
PathwayHandbook_v1.4_2012-2013.docx