CES' program in classroom practice is guided by several key ideas. We believe that the teacher's role is not chiefly to deliver information, but to facilitate student inquiry and practice of skills. The curriculum should emphasize thoroughness and depth over breadth of coverage, with an aim of developing habits of mind such as inquiring into causes, seeing from multiple perspectives, and applying learning to new situations. The curriculum should be flexible and individualized enough to allow for independent exploration. Students who do not meet stated standards should be given intensive support so that they can meet those standards.
Assessment
- Planning Backwards
- Portfolios
- Exhibitions
- Using Rubrics
- Alternative Transcripts
Curriculum
- Projects and Units
- Subject Integration
- Essential Questions
- Problem-based Learning
Instruction
- Personalization
- Student-as-Worker
- Cooperative Learning
- Socratic Seminars
- Technology and Information
Literacy
Classroom Culture
- Tone of Decency and Respect