ARLINGTON CLASSICS ACADEMY

ACA was founded 15 years ago with the purpose of giving students a classical education founded upon the trivium

TRIVIUM

• Grammar stage: building blocks of learning and the "what?"
• Logic stage: abstract concepts and the "why?"
• Rhetoric stage: writing and speaking forcefully and elegantly

OUR GOALS ARE DIFFERENT

CORE KNOWLEDGE IS USED IN SOME AREAS

• Poems and sayings
• Literature
• History
• Fine arts

TYPICAL PROGRAMS ARE USED IN OTHER AREAS

• Texas Treasures literature
• enVision math
• STEMScopes science
• State adopted textbooks

HOW CAN WE REAFFIRM THE FOUNDERS' VISION?

EVIDENCE OF MASTERY

CURRENT SYSTEM

• Grades based on a 100 point scale
• Time is the constant and learning the variable
• Learning is something done TO children rather than BY children
• Students who come into ACA with equity gaps struggle mightily

ANOTHER MODEL

• Give grades based on evidence of mastery
• Give multiple opportunities to show mastery
• Provide scaffolded support for struggling students
• Make learning the constant and time the variable

GRADING POLICY PER QUARTER

• 25% standardized test
• 25% student self-reflection
• 25% authentic performance task
• 25% student selected work portfolio

STANDARDIZED TEST

• STAAR and SAT/ACT are here to stay
• Students should never be penalized for not understanding format
• Snapshot of understanding on one day

STUDENT SELF-REFLECTION

• Social/emotional understanding
• 1: responsibility, steadfastness, perspective, discipline
• 2: reason, self-control, perseverance, drive
• Given in 5th and 9th week

AUTHENTIC PERFORMANCE TASKS

• Grammar stage: demonstrate knowledge of a topic
• Logic stage: analyzing concepts, logical frameworks
• Rhetoric stage: carefully crafted speeches and essays
• Work done in class with guidance of teacher

STUDENT SELECTED WORK PORTFOLIO

• 4 items turned in over grading period (from possible 8-10)
• Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8
• Student selected with assistance from teacher, peers, home
• Items scored against a rubric for correctness and thoroughness

WHAT ABOUT HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK?

• Still assigned and expected to be completed
• Corrected but not assigned a grade unless as part of portfolio
• Students missing work will have mandatory study hall until complete
• Behavioral grading is removed from the equation

EVIDENCE OF MASTERY QUOTIENT

• Report cards will reflect mastery rather then compliance
• Self-discipline is taught and expected from earliest grades
• Authentic performance tasks assess application of knowledge
• Post-secondary readiness is emphasized