Indicator+3

INDICATOR 3
3. The curriculum emphasizes depth of understanding and application of knowledge through:
 * inquiry and problem-solving
 * higher order thinking
 * cross-disciplinary learning
 * authentic learning opportunities both in and out of school
 * informed and ethical use of technology.

Link to sample narrative for this indicator:



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 ** Narrative for Indicator 3 ** ** __The curriculum // collectively (???)  // emphasizes depth of understanding and application of knowledge through inquiry and problem solving, higher order thinking, cross disciplinary learning, authentic learning opportunities both in and out of school, and informed and ethical use of technology. __ ** The combined goals of ** __higher order thinking and inquiry and problem solving__ ** have been the major focus school wide, as evidenced in various ways. Content area rubric assessments have been revised, where applicable, to incorporate the school wide rubric for reasoning and problem solving. Through the process of curriculum revision, essential questions and thinking level objectives have been added for each unit of study, and students are periodically drawn back to them to reinforce application over mastery. This addition has taken place for all courses, regardless of level, i.e., AP, honors, standard. In world languages, students are encouraged to focus on the practical benefits of being multilingual/multicultural rather than simply learning vocabulary and grammatical structures. US History students apply their mastery of topics such as Imperialism, the sinking of the Lusitania, and the Sussex Pledge to the overarching questions of what drives a country to war, and ultimately, should war be avoided at all cost. Additionally, traditional departmental paper/pencil assessments are increasingly being replaced by project based assessments, with the eventual outcome of 100% alternative assessments for mid-terms and finals. The curriculum emphasizes** cross-disciplinary learning **to some degree. The use of math in the science classroom is evidenced in Physics lessons. Students from the Allied Health Academy develop and distribute interdisciplinary units pertinent to each content area in order to promote awareness of World AIDS Day. The History Department collaborates with the Music Department on the topic of Music throughout History, and with the English Department to provide historical background for // The Odyssey //. World Languages study combines with the Humanities through the Cutler Majestic Theatre’s Italian opera series, and the B allet Folklorico de México introduces Spanish students to African rhythms and pre-Hispanic religious rites as well as the history which they encompass. However, lack of common planning time and inflexible scheduling are major obstacles in the way of developing true units of substance across the curriculum.  Students are provided with a variety of ** authentic learning opportunities both in and out of the school environment **. Through the Allied Health Academy Internship Program, students begin community placements that include Cambridge Health Alliance Hospital, Everett Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the Webster Preschool. The Independent Living course provides students with skills necessary for community involvement in the form of leadership and peer education experience. Through the Advisory Program, students participate in community service activities such as writing cards and letters to the troops and senior citizens. The school’s newspaper, // The Crimson Times, //expands writing beyond the classroom. Math courses enable students to apply their skills to real-life issues such as budgeting and credit.  The** informed and ethical use of technology **is included in the student handbook. The Business Organization and Management Course includes Understanding Copyright as part of the curriculum.  