While teachers have undoubtedly heard of the benefits of Project-Based Learning strategies, such as the Madera Method, many may hesitate to incorporate such a large-scale project in the classroom because it can be difficult to grade. We know learning is taking place, but
These are all questions current Madera Method instructor Valerie Shelton, the historical literacy teacher at Madera South High School, hopes to answer in a forthcoming Madera Method teacher’s guide she is collaborating on with founder Bill Coate. For starters, however, Shelton has developed the following rubric for grading her students’ projects. It is based on writing standards for both English and History. This rubric is based on Common Core standards at the 11-12 grade level but can be adjusted for lower secondary grades, 7-10.
“The Madera Method is something that’s right here at our fingertips, but utilizing the community is not something we think about in teaching. I can’t wait to get back to tell the people on the curriculum writing committee about this. They are going to eat it up.”
Madera Unified is where students are challenged to broaden their vision, inspired by meaningful opportunities, and strive for authentic achievements.
