Nine Mile Falls School District Essential Learnings

What follows are the Nine Mile Falls School District Essential Learnings – the outcomes that every child attending schools in the district must demonstrate mastery of (know and be able to do or know and be like) before receiving their Certificate of Mastery at or about the age of sixteen. Once what the child must demonstrate mastery of is established, curriculum is built to teach the outcomes, and instruction and teaching methodologies are aligned to insure that the child will demonstrate mastery of these outcomes using agreed-upon assessments (a subjective determination of the child's level of mastery).

Bearing in mind that the child must demonstrate mastery of the state essential learnings, and these must align with the state essential learnings, ask yourself …

How are these defined and who defines them?

How will these be taught?

How will these be tested using objective criteria rather than subjective criteria?

Who has the final say if the parent does not agree with how they are defined, taught or assessed?

"TO BECOME A LIFELONG LEARNER AND COMPETENT, RESPONSIBLE, CONTRIBUTING CITIZEN A NINE MILE FALLS STUDENT SHOULD POSSESS THESE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES"
A. COMMUNICATION	Listens actively; makes appropriate inquiries.	Understands the commonly accepted rules and conventions of the English language and knows how and when to apply them.	Reads and understands literal and implied meanings of fictional and non-fictional materials.	Understands and applies the basic concepts of design, music, literature, art, dance and drama.	Expresses feelings, thoughts, ideas and opinions clearly and gives clear directions.	Presents a coherent, logical argument using relevant evidence.	Communicates effectively verbally, non-verbally, graphically and visually to diverse groups and individuals.	Demonstrates curiosity and creative expression.	Demonstrates ability to communicate using English and at least one other language.	Uses the arts and humanities as a creative and universal means of communication.
B. DECISION MAKING PROBLEM SOLVING	Definition of C/T Problem Solving	Steps, See Handout (6 Steps)	Problem Solving Reading/ Language Arts	Problem Solving in Writing Research/ 5 Paragraphs' Thesis	Problem Solving in Math	Problem Solving in Science Scientific Inquiry	Problem Solving in History	Problem Solving Real World Application	Problem Solving in the Arts, Music, Drama
C. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL AWARENESS	Understands U.S. and world geography, history and current events.	Demonstrates knowledge needed for effective participation in a democratic society.	Promotes racial, ethnic and gender equality.	Understands, appreciates and works with people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.	Understands the structure and the function of economic, religious, political and governmental systems in the U.S. (local, state and national) and the world.	Respects and promotes ecological balance in the community and the world.	Understands the role of religions and philosophies in world events.	Analyzes and appreciates other languages and cultures.	Uses knowledge of the past to explain the present and anticipate the future.
D. PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT/ EMPLOYMENT	Demonstrates sensitivity to the varying needs, opinions and concerns of others. Effectively works independently and as a team member.	Understands the dynamics of change and adapts to various schedules and environments.	Demonstrates quality in the workplace; shows pride in work; engages in continuous improvement efforts, and recognizes quality as identified by the audience/ customer.	Demonstrates the skills necessary to locate and evaluate information to develop and attain one's personal and career plans.	Demonstrates and appreciates appropriate humor.	Delegates tasks assumes responsibility and demonstrates professionalism. Identifies, organizes, plans and allocates resources.	Knows and supports the goals of one's school, organization, business or community. Appropriately questions authority.	Uses computers and/or other technology for problem solving and presentations.	Works effectively with others by valuing and using leadership and conflict resolution skills, striving for consensus, and functioning as a teacher and learner.	Understands the importance of appropriate dress and hygiene. Assumes responsibility for safety of self and others.

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