The Urban Community School's Graduation Outcomes Project, begun in 1996, is
an outgrowth of the State of Ohio Competency Based Program.
In the GOP, the students are asked to demonstrate the leanings they have
achieved following the Competency Based Program. There has been a serious
effort on the part of the State of Ohio to ensure "that the translation of
the written curriculum to the taught curriculum to the attained curriculum
can be accomplished." A demonstration of learning ensures that this in fact
has happened. The State Standards further call for Performance Objectives
that "represent the essential rather than the minimal knowledge and skills
necessary for learners . . .” They contain a "specific description of how
learners can demonstrate what they know and can do."
The GOP incorporates the desired outcomes in a significant manner.
In the area of the Language Arts the student demonstrates his/her ability to
read informational selections, take notes, organize ideas, write a coherent
report using correct usage, grammar, and spelling and that focuses on the
topic with ample supporting ideas and examples. The student uses research
skills and oral communication skills to effectively present a five-minute
speech.
Objectives of the Fine Arts component are met by the tangible product that
the student prepares. Creativity is encouraged in the visual presentation of
the materials.
Students are encouraged to include charts/graph as examples of the math
skills called for in the project.
Higher level thinking skills including analysis and synthesis are also
required components of the project.
A religious component attempts to emphasize the critical importance of
religious instruction within the school.
Finally, URBAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL practices differentiated instruction and thus
gives students the opportunity to learn and utilize the skills of independent
learners and take personal responsibility for learning. This includes what to
do when faced with a challenge such as asking for help and developing
alternative strategies. More than anything, these qualities are the hallmark
of the URBAN graduate and therefore must also be DEMONSTRATED in the
Graduation Outcomes Project.