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Ninth Graders Take a Stand
Beginning in January, Unami will launch the
Ninth Grade Assessment, a requirement for graduation and part of the
series of performance-based assessments given in Central Bucks at grades
3, 6, 9 and 12. For the Ninth Grade Assessment, Take a Stand,
students work in groups of four to select a local, state, national or
world issue that interests them and has significance for a wide audience.
Past research topics include animal testing, fad diets, school uniforms,
and media censorship.
During the assessment,
each group is assigned a mentor, a member of the Unami faculty who serves
as a coach to the group throughout the process. Students meet with their
groups twice a week during the resource period; however, successful
completion of the assessment will require additional time out of school as
well. The students research their self-selected topic and identify various
perspectives on the issue. Students then decide on their own position--Take
a Stand--and support this position with information found through
research. Next, students work to organize and plan a 15-20 minute
presentation. The presentation is delivered to a panel of four judges who
evaluate the students in the following areas—management of time and task,
collaboration, information processing, content and analysis, and format
and delivery.
Students will make their presentations
after school (dates to be announced).
Each group will be assigned a time and
date for their presentation. Student presentations and follow-up lasts for
approximately one hour. More information concerning the logistics of this
day will be forwarded to the parents and guardians of all ninth grade
students.
A brochure detailing
the Ninth Grade Assessment is enclosed with this newsletter. If you are
interested in volunteering to assist with the Ninth Grade Assessment or if
you have questions, please contact Mrs.
Cummins.
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