They are the bridge that allows their children's learning to have greater meaning and purpose, and extends it beyond the classroom. When parents share their wealth of knowledge with teachers both are better able to support children's academic, social, emotional growth. Parents as facilitators of their children's learning and partners in their education. Each year, members of the Five Winds Charter School commit to a learning goal and are assisted by a peer coach to mediate their learning. As educational research indicates, learning is enhanced when a student works within their level of readiness, or zone, and are encouraged to go just beyond their level, to feel an enticing challenge, with the support of peers or others.
Meaningful assessment guides learning.
In order to be meaningful, assessment must be consistent, specific, and timely. Rather than reducing student work to a composite score, number or letter, 3D assessment provides a multi-dimensional picture that communicates a students competencies and challenges, clearly and non judgmentally. A students' process, progress or product may be assessed. Learners thrive within a structure of supportive feedback. This comprehensive system of assessments at Five Winds Charter School completes our model of learning and teaching, and is integrated throughout the program.