Our school focused around five Learning Goals; Empirical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Communication, Social Reasoning and Personal Qualities. These goals are a framework for looking at real-world concepts and abilities necessary to being a successful, well-rounded person.
About Empirical Reasoning:
What is the difference between science in typical schools and Empirical Reasoning?
Empirical Reasoning involves using data to prove or show something. High School science classes are generally based around specific “factual” content and not the reasoning behind the information.
What if a student is interested in lab science?
Much of the fundamental lab work can be completed at CCHS. There are many working laboratories in our area for more in depth work. An informational interview, shadow day or LTI in a local lab is one of the best ways to explore laboratory work. College classes are another option for exploring this interest. CCHS currently has a partnership with Three Rivers Community College.
About Quantitative Reasoning:
How will students learn math skills?
Students will learn math skills through three basic methods:
-Project based work-integrating QR problem solving into student’s interests and passions.
-Intentional exposure-groups of students working together to learn new skills to apply to their projects, this may occur in advisory or small group workshops.
-Teachable Moments-times when advisors can add to the understanding of an issue or event through mathematical reasoning.
-Math XL, an online math program
How is Quantitative Reasoning different from what they teach in a typical math course?
QR focuses on reasoning abilities and solving real problems that a student might encounter. Typical math classes tend to focus on memorizing content and methods. QR uses the integrated concepts of shape, uncertainty and change to group mathematical ideas. Algebra, geometry and trigonometry are often separated out into typical math courses.
About Communication:
How will students learn to read and write better?
Reading and writing are important parts of every aspect of the learning cycle. Journal writing, proposal writing, reading and editing work, reading and writing papers for exhibitions are all part of the day-to-day work of the student. Students learn by doing. Additional resources, such as book groups or writing workshops can be set up when needed, but the majority of a student’s work and learning will be through project work.
How will students fulfill foreign language requirements?There are many creative strategies to incorporate foreign language into the learning plan. LTIs with bilingual organizations, reciprocal tutoring, online computer programs, and college courses are all options Other ideas to meet Foreign Language Learning Goals:
-Take classes at outside locations, such as school for the deaf or temples that offer Hebrew.
-Complete an independent project that studies the roots of English language words, or a study on world cultures and language constructs.
-Locate an individual proficient in another language that could provide workshops or practice time.
About Social Reasoning:
How will students learn about history?
Students learn primarily through their interests and the project work that stems from their interests. Learning about the history of something important to the student makes it a more powerful learning experience. However, students are not expected to learn the typical canon of historical events. Instead, Social Reasoning focuses on depth of understanding of a social or historical issue.
Why does Social Reasoning focus on different perspectives?
There are many conflicting perspectives on every human event. Social Reasoning helps students understand why people hold different beliefs and how each person’s perspective can be a valid one. It also helps students to formulate their own set of beliefs and ethics.
About Personal Qualities:
Why does the school spend so much time on respect and diversity at the beginning of each year?
Respect and diversity is the cornerstone of a school’s sense of community. Yet many students enter high school from an environment where respect and diversity are not valued. As a result, our first priority with new students is to help them learn this important set of community values.
Why are Personal Qualities considered an academic Learning Goal?
The qualities listed under this Learning Goal are considered the true key to success. College admissions officers look for responsibility, time management and organization as important elements of a successful student. Business people claim leadership, perseverance, respect and cooperation are some of the most important qualities they look for in potential employees.
