<p>The curriculum emphasizes depth of understanding and application of knowledge through: . inquiry and problem-solving . higher order thinking . cross-disciplinary learning . authentic learning opportunities both in and out of school . informed and ethical use of technology.</p><p>What to Look For:</p><p> Is the curriculum intellectually challenging and does it provide opportunities for students to authentically apply knowledge and skills?</p><p> All courses, regardless of level, provide students with rigorous and challenging learn experiences which require them to apply, analyze, synthesize, compare/contrast, and evaluate</p><p> The Program of Studies clearly offers challenging coursework for all students (i.e., there are no courses that “water down” the curriculum for certain “less able” students)</p><p> Intellectual rigor is evident in the quality of student work reflecting higher order thinking and problem solving techniques</p><p> Students are regularly called upon to demonstrate their growing body of knowledge, skills, ideas, and concepts and to apply them to real life situations</p><p> o writing is done for audiences beyond the classroom {e.g., businessmen, Congress; proposals developed for local agencies (students in a marine biology class engage in a community water quality project, spend time in the field, and write a report for the community)}</p><p> o students prepare portfolios of their work to be shared periodically with parents and a panel of outside judges</p><p> o project work replaces much teacher-directed learning and leads to formal public presentations to audiences of parents, community people, university- based educator, scientific organizations</p><p> o students apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of media (such as music files, etc.); students apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information to a given project</p><p> o the school is able to describe structures that are in place to ensure all of the above: supervision practices; peer review; review of student work; results of assessments </p>