Common use of High Expectations and Rigor Clause in Contracts

High Expectations and Rigor. The school will be focused on 21st-century learning and critical thinking skills, as well as Common Core-alignment. Students will be prepared for post- secondary education through dual credit courses taken during high school and the alignment of curriculum with Common Core standards. The quality and rigor of student work is framed by competency-based standards planning and challenging learning objectives and assessments. ● Personalization. The school’s instructional model is built on the belief that each student brings unique strengths and challenges to their learning experience and must be supported accordingly. Student learning includes adaptive online learning programs, working toward informed post-secondary goals, and utilizing flexible time at the secondary level for self- directed learning. In the K-6 model, students often use a station rotation model, and the 7-12 model will use a flexible college-prep learning model. Differentiated instruction will occur at these pathways—online instruction, as well as elective courses. Teachers also do targeted small group instruction as a form of intervention and acceleration. ● Data. Gem Prep will be grounded in the importance of using data to drive instruction. The school will use formative assessment and other data to continually adjust instruction and necessary interventions. ● Innovation. Very much related to the above, the importance of continual improvement and innovation will be a focus for Gem Prep. The organization will constantly review performance data and make adjustments to the school model as necessary. As with most innovation, Gem Prep realizes that adjustments and improvements are often necessary as these ideas are tested and put into practice in real-world settings. Gem Prep is committed to evaluating the academic impact of its instructional model and making any necessary adjustments in order to meet all academic goals. The School is committed to vigilance in ongoing assessments, evaluations, and adjustments to facilitate successful student outcomes. The elementary school model (Grades K-6) at Gem Prep (GP) is built around the following practices: ● ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, deeply supported learning. Students are engaged in highly interactive learning environments designed to challenge each student. This rigorous learning environment necessitates a support structure to help students reach a high bar. ● Data-driven instruction. Teachers provide frequent formative assessments and are continually refining their instruction based on a careful review of student progress data. ● Competency development. GP schools incorporate non-academic competencies into their academic schedule. GP schools participate in the Panorama Ed assessment, which measures the mindsets, wellness, and belonging of students and staff. The schools performed so well on this survey that Harvard University sent a team to study what makes the schools stand out so substantially.

High Expectations and Rigor. The school will be focused on 21st-century learning and critical thinking skills, as well as Common Core-alignment. Students will be prepared for post- secondary education through dual credit courses taken during high school and the alignment of curriculum with Common Core standards. The quality and rigor of student work is framed by competency-based standards planning and challenging learning objectives and assessments. ● Personalization. The school’s instructional model is built on the belief that each student brings unique strengths and challenges to their learning experience and must be supported accordingly. Student learning includes adaptive online learning programs, working toward informed post-secondary goals, and utilizing flexible time at the secondary level for self- directed learning. In the K-6 model, students often use a station rotation model, and the 7-12 model will use a flexible college-prep learning model. Differentiated instruction will occur at these pathways—online instruction, as well as elective courses. Teachers also do targeted small group instruction as a form of intervention and acceleration. ● Data. Gem Prep will be grounded in the importance of using data to drive instruction. The school will use formative assessment assessments and other data to continually adjust instruction and necessary interventions. ● Innovation. Very much related to the above, the importance of continual improvement and innovation will be a focus for Gem Prep. The organization will constantly review performance data and make adjustments to the school model as necessary. As with most innovation, Gem Prep realizes that adjustments and improvements are often necessary as these ideas are tested and put into practice in real-world settings. Gem Prep is committed to evaluating the academic impact of its instructional model and making any necessary adjustments in order to meet all academic goals. The School is committed to vigilance in ongoing assessments, evaluations, and adjustments to facilitate successful student outcomes. The elementary school model (Grades K-6) at Gem Prep (GP) is built around the following practices: ● ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, deeply supported learning. Students are engaged in highly interactive learning environments designed to challenge each student. This rigorous learning environment necessitates a support structure to help students reach a high bar. ● Data-driven instruction. Teachers provide frequent formative assessments and are continually refining their instruction based on a careful review of student progress data. ● Competency development. GP schools incorporate non-academic competencies into their academic schedule. GP schools participate in the Panorama Ed assessment, which measures the mindsets, wellness, and belonging of students and staff. The schools performed so well on this survey that Harvard University sent a team to study what makes the schools stand out so substantially.