Clarifying Language in Michigan Benchmarks

MI CLiMB is a project of theMichigan Department of Education

to improve teaching and learning by clarifying the language in the benchmarks of the Michigan Curriculum Framework.

Why do we need MI CLiMB?

If we are to improve achievement in Michigan, every teacher must

understand the meaning of each benchmark for which they are

responsible.

Why is difficult language in the benchmarks?

• The language of the standards and benchmarks in the Michigan Curriculum Framework is precise language used by teachers and specialists of each subject.

• The precision of this specialized language accurately communicates the ideas and concepts of that subject.

MI CLiMB provides:

•An explanation of each benchmark in plain language•An example of a teaching strategy•An example of a classroom assessment strategy•A selection of resources to support the benchmark

MI CLiMB is available for free on CD-ROM

or online at

http://www.miclimb.net

MI-CLiMB Online

MI-CLiMB Online• Keyword - Users can search for topics within

content areas, grade levels or curriculum areas by means of a keyword.

MI-CLiMB Online

• Content Outline Window - Similar to a table of contents, this left-hand window displays an expandable index of the tool's content by title. Click on the arrows next to content titles to expand the outline.

MI-CLiMB Online

• Strand - A Strand, the highest level of the hierarchy, is a MI CLiMB content classification which groups related Benchmarks and content.

• Content Standard - A description of what all students should know and be able to do in each of the Subject Areas.

• Benchmark - Statements which indicate what students should know and be able to do at various developmental levels (i.e. early/later elementary school, middle school and high school).

MI-CLiMB Online

MI-CLiMB Online

• Benchmark Clarification - A further description of the intent behind the Benchmark, developed by teachers for teachers in each subject area and grade level.

• Instructional Example - These are concrete ideas for teaching to the Benchmark. Educators from around the state have contributed instructional examples for each benchmark based on their expertise in specific subject areas.

MI-CLiMB Online

MI-CLiMB Online

• Assessment Example - Based on the Instructional Example, this provides a way to assess students' performance against the intent of the Benchmark.

• Resources - Repositories of information which will further help to clarify the Benchmark. These include references, Web-based resources, and many other types of recommended resources.

MI-CLiMB Online

MI-CLiMB Online

Remember that MI-CLiMB is not a complete curriculum to follow, but is meant to be a guide for initiating your own curriculum development.