Standards Based learning
By Jiana Cruz Standards Based learning is kind of the new “thing” in terms of grading students. Dave Weber, an English teacher at CLA has been working on a committee to explore standards based teaching and learning. “Standards based learning is taking lessons and moving them beyond teaching to a test,” said Weber. At CLA, the focus is on teaching students by how well they can master a concept and actually learn the material as opposed to a regular grading system where students just memorize, take a test, and move on. CLA principal Joe Greenberg sees the value of authentic assessment as a way for students to delve into topics in a creative way. "The positive impact of this standards-based approach is that it opens up creative interpretations and opportunities to examine and explore topics more creatively,” said Greenberg. Breaking the norms with standard based learning has allowed students to be more than just a grade. It tracks how well a student can really grasp material and can leave an everlasting impact on the student’s education. It is far more beneficial to the average student than the common conventional grading system. Junior Bree Labiak, who is also the school’s literary magazine editor, has put standards based learning into practice daily. “Standards based learning has helped me target certain topics and learn them to the best of my ability,” said Labiak. Standards based learning is slowly starting to become more popular among schools in the world. “ In time, I think more and more schools will be shifting to this standards-based instructional and evaluation approach,” said Greenberg. |
Taken by:
Chuck Walker |
How CLA is Helping Stop Covid-19
By Jack Tullock With Covid-19 shutting many things down CLA has put into motion many things to keep in person schools open but also keeping kids learning if they have to stay at home. When I asked the CLA Board Chair, Bridgett Fowler, she said that CLA has followed a modified school schedule of “two days in three days out to decrease the number of in person students per day” This was important because CLA’s building is not large enough to keep students separated. CLA has also installed Hand sanitizing stations and plexi as glass in the classrooms, as well as requiring masks to be worn at all times. When asking Joe Greenburg about how Covid-19 has affected the learning opportunities of students he said, “The biggest obstacle has been consistent participation with some students, mostly those opting for the full-virtual instructional delivery method.” He also said that this has caused a big problem because CLA is supposed to be all about student voice and choice but he also said that the students have started the Student Union to take advantage of the student choice that CLA pushes. Some students, however, have enjoyed the ability to work from such as Sarah Duncan who said they enjoy working from home. “I hate being at home because I do not have that one on one interaction,” said Duncan. Even though Covid-19 has shut down many things in life CLA is trying to keep school open and give every student the best opportunity to get the most out of their education. |
CLA has installed special plexiglass screens to keep students safe.
Photo by Mia Angelo |