In each case, the competency area and standards listed are just one part of a larger set of competencies that schools expect their students to master. Some schools require mastery in all of their competency areas for graduation while others encourage and assess mastery but do not attach requirements. Most students are successful doing challenging work if their studies are relevant to their realities and futures. Individual students learn differently and therefore must have a variety of opportunities to gain knowledge and skills, and a combination of assessment methods in order to show mastery. The following examples of learning and assessment at some CBO Schools reflect these two fundamentals and help students to reach high standards in academics and other essential competency areas including interpersonal competence, employability, citizenship and community membership, knowledge integration, and valuing.
Students also complete a career exploration seminar.
Successful students advance to the program s Plus Phase in which they complete a college course, a career-related internship or community service experience, and three major projects including a community action project and an autobiography. At ABCD, students also take elective seminars in areas such as drama, music, computers, politics, peer leadership and wealth-building. At the end of the Plus Phase, students present a Graduation Portfolio which includes examples of their best work in each area and critical reflection pieces on each portfolio entry. Students present these portfolios to an audit committee comprised of faculty, students, representatives from the Corporation for Business, Work and Learning which administers the Diploma Plus program, and representatives from collaborating organizations including the Boston Private Industry Council and Bunker Hill Community College. Students in this program must complete the Employment Aptitude Program that includes skill development in math, reading, speech and writing, critical thinking, wellness and family issues, vocational counseling and workforce transition.