Layered+Curriculum

BENEFITS

 * H****IGHLY** **I****NDIVIDUALIZED** **I****NSTRUCTION (CHOICE)**


 * Each student learns the material in the way that is best for them
 * Students proceed at a pace that is individualized, challenging and comfortable
 * Students utilize their strengths in the learning process
 * Each student’s interests, intelligences, and abilities are taken into account, recognized, celebrated, and used as part of the educational process
 * Lower language learners are able to use a variety of techniques to learn and demonstrate knowledge


 * A****CTIVE** **L****EARNING**


 * Students are continuously engaged in the learning process rather than passive receipients of information
 * Application and critical thinking activities (B & A Layers) mirror real world problems and situations.
 * Each layer requires more complex thinking and learning (consistent with Bloom)


 * A****CCOUNTABILITY** **F****OR** **L****EARNING**


 * Shifts the focus of school work and assessment from 'doing' to 'learning'
 * Each student is required to demonstrate what they learned


 * R****ESPONSIBILITY**


 * Students take ownership of their learning by choosing their activities and defending their knowledge gained.
 * Students work independently to plan and carry out their schedule within a limited time framework


 * O****NE****-****ON****-O****NE** **A****TTENTION**


 * Student and teacher speak one-on-one frequently
 * Students are far less likely to “fall through the cracks”


 * R****ESEARCHING** **S****KILLS** **AND** **C****RITICAL** **T****HINKING**


 * Students learn how to locate the information they need – crucial skills for the “Information Age”
 * Critical thinking skills always used to solve problems, formulate opinions, and draw conclusions from collected information.

Links
[|Kathie Nunley's website]- the go-to place for layered curriculum information and strategies [|Brains.org]: Brain research on learning (also affiliated with Dr. Nunely) for learning strtegies that can be incorporated into a layered unit: