Choice- Layered curriculum is all about choice. Students choose from a list of activities each day/week. These activities satisfy the requirements of the course and allow students to express themselves in the ways that are most comfortable for them. By giving students choice, they are more motivated to complete the activities.

1 on 1 Learning- A hallmark of a layered curriculum is the 1 to 1 instruction. Since students have chosen their tasks individually, they will receive instruction that is tailored to their needs every day.

Learning and Accountability- A Layered Curriculum is student-centered. The teacher is not the dispenser of knowledge but the facilitator, mentoring students as they reach for their goals.

What does a Layered Curriculum Unit Look Like?

A Layered Curriculum is a 3 tiered model of differentiated instruction. The first layer (C-Layer) is general knowledge. In the next layer (B-Layer), students apply what they learned in C-layer. Lastly, in the A-Layer students think critically as they answer the essential questions of the course in writing.

C- Layer Basic Knowledge:

In the C layer, students are assessed on their basic knowledge of the topic. Normally, students will have 3-4 choices for each C Layer assignment.

Examples of C Layer Activities Include:

• Identify shots used in the section of a film

• Complete a worksheet

• Demonstrate a camera movement

• Discuss a film in a small group

• Watch a video/Write 10 things learned from the video

• Watch a video/Answer questions about the video

How will it be graded?

Most of the C-Layer is graded through oral defense. It's not about students completing assignments but learning something. So I will ask questions regarding the assignment and based on the answers I will award the points earned in the assignment.

Example: Shot Selection: I will ask the student to identify the shots used in 1 minute of a film. Each correctly identified shot is worth 2 points each

The B layer:

The B layer builds on work done in the C layer. Students apply what they've learned to new tasks. Creativity is put at the forefront in this layer.

Examples of B-Layer assignments:

• Create a storyboard that utilizes 8 different shots

• Analyze a movie of your choice in a short essay.

• Shoot and edit a short film that uses closeups to communicate an idea.

How will B-Layer assignments be graded?

Rubrics. Students will be presented with rubrics for most assignments in this layer. The assessment will be assignment-specific and students will have access to that information before they choose to undertake it.

A-Layer

In the A-Layer students think critically about the essential questions of the unit and write essays that encourage reflection upon the work done in the C and B layers. In this layer, students will be tasked with incorporating evidence into their writing to support their ideas.

Example A-layer assignments

• What is the language of film?

• How do films make us think?

How will A-Layer assignments be graded?

Rubrics will be made available to students.

Sample Pacing of a Layered Curriculum Unit.

Day 1 - Lecture (15-20 minutes)

Layer C Assignment 1. (Complete 1 of 4 assignments)

Day 2- Lecture/ Screening (15-20 minutes)

Layer C Assignment 2. (Complete 1 of 4 assignments)

Day 3- Screening (25-30 minutes)

Layer C Assignment 3. (Complete 1 of 4 assignments)

Day 4- Screening (25-30 minutes)

Layer C Assignment 4. (Complete 1 of 4 assignments)

Day 5- C Layer Work Day- B Layer conferences

Day 6,7,8 Layer B Assignment Work Days

Day 9,10- Layer A Assessment