Assessment Tools

Academic Rigor and Support Self-Assessment
Challenging Curriculum that Engages All Students

Characteristics of Schools
With Academic Rigor and Support

Important to Our School

Exists at Our School

Difference

Have a challenging curriculum that engages students

Rigorous core curriculum

Standards-based curriculum

Curriculum aligned with postsecondary expectations

Higher-level thinking skills incorporated in all curricular areas

Strong mathematics program, e.g., increased instruction time in mathematics through double courses

Strengthened science program, e.g., increased science course offerings

Elimination of low-level or remedial-type core courses (e.g., lower-level math programs) or substantially increasing their academic content

Challenging coursework options

Increased numbers of advanced placement and honors courses

An International Baccalaureate program

Requirement for students to complete a challenging curriculum

Mechanisms in place to assure that students cannot get by with taking low-level, unchallenging courses

Graduation requirements that all students complete a rigorous academic program

Encouragement for students to enroll in advanced placement, honors, and International Baccalaureate courses, including students who would not ordinarily be directed to these courses

Curriculum that is relevant and accessible to students with different backgrounds, interests, capacities, and career goals

New learning opportunities (through internships, community service, and individual research projects)

Numerous career tracks that enable students to connect academic and work-related skills

Curricular elements that build on students’ cultural, linguistic, and historical knowledge and experience

Sheltered classes for English language learners

Postsecondary partnerships offering college-level learning opportunities for students

Student opportunity to take college classes through a dual enrollment program with local community colleges

Use of postsecondary facilities and faculty as resources for learning opportunities

College-level courses offered on campus