SIGNET CONTENT OFFERINGS
Small Group Classes
Each quarter, students choose a class from the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, technology, computers, or problem solving. The classes stress the processes of critical and creative thinking through a variety of techniques. Although classes change from year to year, some examples include Storytelling, Strictly Business, Geology, and Drama.
Study Centers
Students work individually on centers of their choice. Each center has three levels: a novice level to introduce a subject, and apprentice level to broaden or delve deeper into a subject and a master level to provide for student synthesis and evaluation. Some examples of centers include Computer Art and Music, Castles, Landscape Design, Polyominoes, What' Up in Space, and Writing.
At each level, the student and teacher sign a contract which directs the work. Students move at their own pace and interest through the centers. Some students choose to explore a number of subjects at the novice level, while others may decide to stay with a center through all three levels.
During center time, teachers work with each student individually to plan and evaluate his or her work. At the end of each afternoon session, students complete a planning sheet detailing their accomplishments and plan for the next class. The supervising teacher then assesses the work and writes a response to the student.
Independent Study
Students have the opportunity to develop an individual study center. They complete an application form to begin the process of planning the study.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT WORK
Students and the teacher evaluate daily work in informal conferences. Because evaluation is considered an integral part of the learning process, the student and teacher work together to access oral or written final student products.
The teacher evaluates the work for evidence of advanced critical and creative thinking skills, including appropriate use of resources, processes and products. In small group classes, students may evaluate the products of other students as in the case of a contest or debate. Evaluation reports may be taken home after both the students and teachers complete their part of the progress report. Any reports not previously taken home prior to the end of the first and second semester will be sent home at that time.
