Learning Contracts

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Learning Contracts

• Project Aspire
• Broadcast 10
• Sara Delano Moore, Ph.D.

2

• Where have we been?
• Basic strategies for differentiation
• Essentials of classroom management
• Tiered lessons around content, process,
  product.
• Whats next?
• Learning Contracts

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What are Learning Contracts?

• Agreements between teacher and student(s)
  specifying
• What work will be done
• What time line will be followed
• How work will be assessed
• What responsibilities each party has

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What work will be done

• This section of the contract should specify
• What standards are to be met through the contract
• What tasks/activities/experiences are to be
  completed by the student(s)
• What products will be submitted for assessment
• What parameters there are for any choices
  available to the student(s)

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What time line will be followed

• How long do the students have to complete the
  specified work?
• What intermediate deadlines must be met?
• If students want interim feedback from the
  teacher, how much lead time is required?

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How work will be assessed

• What rubric(s) will be used for product
  assessment?
• What mastery standard is expected on skill-based
  work?
• What happens if work does not meet the standard
  when submitted?

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What responsibilities students have

• Use time and resources effectively
• Complete assigned work according to the timeline
  specified in the contract
• Ask for support and assistance as needed

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What responsibilities teachers have

• Provide students with necessary information and
  resources
• Provide support and assistance as requested or
  required
• Monitor student progress on a regular basis
• Assess student work according to the criteria
  provided

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Things to consider

• Under what circumstances will students be taken
  off the contract work and returned to working
  with the class?
• On a short-term basis?
• On a long-term basis?

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Things to consider

• What procedures and routines will be followed by
  students working on contracts?
• Using the computer
• Going to the library
• Doing lab work

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Things to consider

• How will contract students and non-contract
  students share their work with one another?
• Can products be posted/presented?
• Are there whole-class experiences which bridge
  the two groups?

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Your assignment

• Include a contract as an assignment for one or
  more groups of students in your tiered lesson
  plans
• Report on your work using the web-based form at
  the Project Aspire web page
• www.bsu.edu/academy/aspire
• Resources link
• Forms link