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SCHOOLWIDE OBJECTIVES
In addition to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, the curriculum at Rising Tide is also guided by Schoolwide Objectives for teaching and learning. By the time each student graduates from Rising Tide, he or she should feel confident in his or her ability to be an effective Communicator, Investigator, Self-Directed Learner and Community Steward. Teachers use these Schoolwide Objectives to set expectations, create teaching and learning activities, and assess student progress in all school-related activities.
Each Schoolwide Objective contains Benchmark Skills, which are listed on the following pages. These Benchmark Skills remain the same across each grade level; however, as students move into a higher grade level, they are expected to complete tasks with greater complexity, independence and awareness.
Students are expected to set goals and reflect on their own progress in connection with these Schoolwide Objectives.
Each quarter, teachers assess student progress in learning and demonstrating these skills; such assessment is included in each child?s report card along with a letter grade and a narrative comment for every subject area.
Communicator
Reading Skills
Reads grade level texts with comprehension and fluency
Identifies important details in a text (map, chart, graph, visual art piece, etc.)
Summarizes main ideas and appropriate elements of a text (map, chart, graph, visual art piece, etc.)
Analyzes and interprets a text (map, chart, graph, visual art piece, etc.)
Synthesizes ideas in text (map, chart, graph, visual art piece, etc.) with other texts or experiences
Recognizes effect of point of view in text (map, chart, graph, visual art piece, etc.)
Hypothesizes meaning of new vocabulary using context clues and roots
Identifies functions of words in sentences
Writing Skills
Expresses ideas in various types of expository and narrative writing
Guides the reader through a logical thought process
Maintains clarity of ideas in essay writing
Masters standard grammar, sentence writing and punctuation
Integrates new vocabulary into writing
Writes legibly for self and others
Types on a word processor with fluency
Develops own organizational model for planning purposes
Masters appropriate spatial format of multiple writing styles
Demonstrates ability to write for different audiences
Paraphrases information effectively
Proofreads and edits own work
Speaking Skills
Communicates ideas with structural clarity and accuracy
Shares and supports opinions in class discussions
Responds directly to the ideas of other students
Speaks in turn, recognizing social cues
Demonstrates effective public speaking skills
Varies volume of speaking according to the situation
Listening Skills
Demonstrates listening through eye contact and body language
Demonstrates listening by following directions
Demonstrates listening by responding to peers respectfully
Demonstrates listening by asking relevant questions for clarification and/or elaboration
Demonstrates listening by summarizing key points of a lecture or a speaker
Investigator
Inquiry Skills
Asks pertinent questions
Attempts to answer own questions
Actively seeks comprehension of concepts
Asks questions that challenge unsupported ideas and opinions
Research Skills
Finds appropriate sources
Cites reliable sources accurately and clearly
Searches multiple sources and media
Differentiates between primary and secondary sources
Uses index and table of contents effectively to focus search
Finds specific detail within a text (map, chart, graph, visual art piece, etc.)
Paraphrases information effectively
Follows prescribed procedures
Accurately gathers empirical information
Problem Solving Skills
Clarifies the problem
Uses multiple strategies to approach a problem
Breaks a problem into manageable steps
Utilizes proper procedures in problem-solving process
Transfers knowledge from one subject area or unit to another in order to solve problems
Works diligently to solve the problem
Application Skills
Applies data and information to new challenges
Recognizes and understands how to avoid plagiarism
Connects knowledge between classwork and practical applications, or other subject areas
Applies proper units of measurement, formulas and patterns
Attempts to utilize newly acquired skills
Assimilates new vocabulary in written and verbal expression
Formulates a hypothesis based upon available information
Collects and critically evaluates and computes data and/or observations
Synthesizes research from multiple sources
Utilizes local knowledge as a foundation to understand global issues
Self-Directed Learner
Organizational Skills
Keeps track of daily assignments
Keeps track of long-term assignments
Keeps track of daily schedule and daily events
Is prepared for class with the necessary tools for class work
Follows organizational template
Manages personal space (cubbies, bag, notebook)
Creates and implements own organizational plan
Meets deadlines
Internalizes and carries out organizational strategies
Study Skills
Demonstrates initiative for researching and finding resources
Initiates individual problem-solving strategies
Synthesizes materials in order to prepare for a unit assessment
Analyzes impact of study environment on ability to produce quality work
Develops individualized plan for study environment that enables the completion of quality work
Uses time effectively to complete tasks
Writes clear notes from board, discussion, text (map, chart, graph, visual art piece, etc.)
Identifies key points or concepts from a unit (prioritizes pertinent information)
Develops outlines or other organizational charts to prepare for projects, papers and assessments
Skills in Taking Responsibility
Completes homework assignments
Demonstrates motivation for completing tasks
Participates in class work
Fulfills role within small group work
Seeks help when needed
Advocates for himself or herself
Comes to class in a timely and prepared manner
Respects the trust, through actions, given to him or her by adults
Makes up assignments missed due to absences
Is honest about mistakes that have been made
Makes appropriate choices without needing encouragement
Self-Awareness Skills
Recognizes his or her strengths and challenges
Actively practices reflection of own experiences and academic work
Demonstrates an emerging awareness of learning styles that best suit him or her
Actively utilizes own strengths to demonstrate understanding
Demonstrates a willingness to improve upon personal challenges
Demonstrates an understanding of appropriate social interactions in a group setting
Recognizes impact of actions upon others
Communicates awareness of emotions and acts upon them in appropriate manner
Community Steward
Cooperation Skills
Respects classroom guidelines
Actively participates in classroom and extra-curricular work
Respects personal and communal property
Collaborates with peers to achieve a goal
Attempts to constructively interact with others when having negative feelings
Leadership Skills
Independently follows community standards without supervision
Balances assertiveness with respectfulness
Demonstrates initiative in problem-solving
Seeks to include others regardless of personal ability or experience
Balances roles of leader and participant in group work
Seeks to prevent acts of injustice (takes positive action)
Skills in Respecting Difference
Seeks solutions through compromise
Listens to and considers different opinions
Seeks to engage other points of view
Strives to discover and better understand different world or cultural views
Demonstrates sensibility to the needs and feelings of others (exhibits empathy)
Skills in Service to Community
Demonstrates initiative to serve the community
Participates in available opportunities to support Rising Tide and larger community
Helps others
Seeks to include individuals who seem disconnected from, or are new to the school community
Protects other community members from teasing and harassment
Participates in maintaining a safe and clean school environment
Understands how to become a useful and successful community member
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