Embedded Files
Differentiation
Differentiation
Orbital Independent Research
Description: Within this differentiation model, teachers assign high end learners extension activities that dive deeper into the subjects or unit of study they have already presented. Orbital Independent Research
Websites to visit:
Interest Based Learning Activities
Description: Interest based learning activities have been proven to keep high end learners engaged and invested in their learning. In this differentiation model, the classroom teacher assigns additional learning activities, inside or outside of the regular curriculum to meet the learning needs of the high end learner, relating to a personal topic of interest. Interest Based Learning Activities
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Curriculum Compacting
Description: The curriculum compacting model includes a process of evaluating what high end learners already know and what they need to learn in order to progress academically at their own rate. The curriculum compacting model is broken down into phases. Curriculum Compacting
- Phase one: Define the unit goals and expected outcomes.
- Phase two: Identify students who have already mastered those unit goals through screening methods such as pre-testing, interviewing or past performance.
- Phase three: Provide acceleration and enrichment options within the regular class grouping.
Websites to visit:
Activities for your classroom
Activities for your classroom
Thinkalong™
Thinkalong™
Thinkalong™ is a free, web-based educational service where students can practice thinking critically about current topics that directly affect their lives and communities.
Young people run into all matter of questionable content on the internet – opinions parading as facts, stories with manipulated data or images, political spin, and a galaxy of information to sort through. Thinkalong™ can help learners make sense of the 21st century media environment.
Using public media content about newsworthy topics, question-based learning activities help middle and high-school students to think critically about media messages, develop informed opinions, and practice how to take a stand through respectful civil discourse.
Thinkalong Activities
Thinkalong Activities
Are standardized tests necessary to measure students’ academic abilities?
Standardized tests, a fixture in American education, have been the source of increased anxiety for students, parents, and teachers. In particular, student performance on the SAT or ACT is widely seen as one of the most important factors in admission to competitive colleges. While proponents of testing say it is the best way to objectively measure students’ learning, critics argue that the tests are an inaccurate way to assess students’ achievement and potential. Are standardized tests good, bad, or all of the above? Explore the resources provided, use the graphic organizers, and submit your Pro and Con Arguments!
Should a college education be free?
With rising tuition rates and average student debt at near $30,000, tuition-free college is one popular proposed solution. Some say it will make the positive effects of higher education accessible to more people, while others argue taxpayers will pay too much to benefit those who can take on the costs themselves. Explore the resources provided, use the graphic organizers, and submit your Pro and Con Arguments!
Should controversial books be censored?
Every year, libraries, schools, authors, and readers celebrate Banned Books Week, which casts light on the issues of censorship and banning books. Classic novels, like Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (one of the most consistently challenged books) join with comics, young adult novels, and children’s books on the American Library Association’s list of most challenged books. Explore the resources provided, use the graphic organizers, and submit your Pro and Con Arguments!
Content-area materials
Content-area materials
Picking books for Gifted Children
Decatur Middle School Gifted Reading List - Lexile number and description included.
Books with Gifted Characters - Almost 60 pages of books with gifted characters. Most have an interest level (IL) and a lexile, along with a brief description.
Mensa Excellence in Reading Grade 7-8 List - A list compiled by Mensa. If students read all books, they can earn a certificate and t-shirt.
High reading level, low maturity - Extensive book list; click the tabs at the bottom to get a more narrow grade level.
The Morning News: A Conversation with Sven Birkerts - Robert Birnbaum
Reading / Critical Thinking
What happens to serious writing in an age when there are fewer literary magazines, fewer book reviews, and no pay for reviewers? Essayist Sven Birkerts talks about the changing economics of writing and publishing, working in a bookstore, reading online, and the value of unread books.
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