Academics

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NELA students take a full load of academic classes with a twist.  Curriculum is taught so that there is relevance - ALL Northpoint students know "why am I learning this?"

Example:
A current 9th grade student at Northpoint is taking Algebra I; Environmental Science; World Geography; Language Arts; & Fine Arts. That student is engaged in a "Learning Expedition" called "Terrorism....".  The Arizona State Standards are being met through the individual classes and the lens of this ENGAGING rich topic!

Students don't just learn about this topic within their classroom walls but they experience the topic first hand.

Expeditionary Learning Core Practice Benchmarks:

Learning Expeditions
-- Implementing learning expeditions across the school
-- Designing compelling topics and guiding questions
-- Designing products and linked projects
-- Incorporating fieldwork, local expertise, and service learning
-- Producing and presenting high quality student work

Active Pedagogy
-- Using effective instructional practices school-wide
-- Teaching reading across the disciplines
-- Teaching writing across the disciplines
-- Teaching inquiry-based math
-- Teaching inquiry-based science and social studies
-- Learning in and through the arts
-- Using effective assessment practices

Culture and Character
-- Building school culture and fostering character
-- Ensuring equity and high expectations
-- Fostering a safe, respectful, and orderly community
-- Promoting adventure and fitness
-- Developing a professional community
-- Engaging families in the life of the school

Leadership and School Improvement
-- Providing leadership in curriculum, instruction, and school culture
-- Sharing leadership and building partnerships
-- Using multiple sources of data to improve student achievement
-- Linking Expeditionary Learning and school improvement plans

Structures
-- Designing time for student and adult learning
-- Creating structures for knowing students well