This criteria can be used in combination with authentic assessments at various levels, including accountable talk, discussions, peer assessment, and performance assessment. An article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer discusses the value of Dr. Stix's strategy of negotiable contracting. It indicates that this, with the use of rubrics found in the supplemental guide of the series, is on the cutting edge of today's education. Not only is there an alignment grid, but an explanation follows of how and why each lesson was aligned and able to meet the particular national standard. First, students are given a choice of reading selections based on a thematic Social Studies topic.
Students reading the same book form their own literature circle, and discuss an open-ended question.
They become experts in answering questions through discussion, and are soon moved to a new literature circle with the make up of one representative from each group. Once again, students discuss the answers to the original question posed, this time learning about the different perspectives from the other books. Hence, each student, regardless of the book read, is equally respected since there is only one representative for each book. The flexogeneous grouping practice allows students the freedom to choose books they want to read, and provides flexibility in instruction. The series is also unique in its use of young adult literature, where students learn about history from a young adult's perspective.