Rigor+and+Relevance

A rigorous curriculum is one that is complex, provocative, and personally or emotionally challenging. A relevant curriculum requires students to use knowledge to solve complex, real-world problems, and to create works to use in real-world situations. Rigor and relevance is represented by challenging content that is significant to a topic, includes authentic work, and the application of knowledge and skills to complex problems. It also entails the use of prior knowledge, the development of in-depth understanding, and the ability to develop and express ideas and findings through elaborated communication. The content is not just interesting to students, but involves particular intellectual challenges. When students successfully meet these challenges, their new learning will have meaning and value in contexts outside the classroom.

  

Attributes of Rigor and Relevance
 - - Using a math worksheet, teams looked for evidence of these attributes in the assignment.


 * Higher-Order Thinking (HOT) is performed by students during instruction. **


 * Deep understanding and mastery of critical disciplinary concepts and skills are demonstrated. **


 * Concepts and skills are applied to situations, issues and problems in the world beyond school. **