Students engage in interdisciplinary learning which integrates knowledge and modes of thinking from two or more disciplines (or well established fields of study) in order to create products, raise questions, solve problems, design solutions, and offer explanations of the world around them in ways that would not have been possible through single disciplinary means.

Students build global competence and develop essential skills as they learn and apply understanding through authentic problems and activities.

Learning is culturally responsive, socially relevant, connects to the world of work, and is appropriate to age and ability of the student. Students select and use technology in creative and effective ways. Students have choice over the design, delivery, content and demonstration of their learning in pursuit of individual and instructional goals.

Educators use formative and summative assessments to gather evidence from multiple sources to determine what each student actually knows, understands, and can demonstrate. Assessment results are used to improve instruction and program design. Formative assessments provide teachers and students with timely feedback to guide shifts in instruction and learning. Summative assessments are conducted to evaluate students’ performance against a defined set of content standards. A variety of assessment tools are used, including performance tasks, to assess learning and inform instruction.

Instruction is universally designed and implemented to ensure that all students can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning. Learning provides students multiple means of engagement, representation, and action & expression. Instruction is differentiated to support students whose needs are not met through best first instruction.

Teachers design, implement, and assess authentic learning experiences which engage students and improve learning, enrich professional practice, and provide positive models for students, colleagues and the community in ways that are meaningful and relevant to students and student learning outcomes.