Learning Contract Agreement between teacher and student(s) Certain freedoms granted in return for production of specific work Largely teacher-directed; teacher sets completion date and check-in requirements Assignments are based on pre-assessment of students readiness or interest

Contract Agreement Teacher agrees to let students have freedom to plan their timeTeacher agrees to let students have freedom to plan their time Students agree to use the time responsiblyStudents agree to use the time responsibly Guidelines for working are spelled outGuidelines for working are spelled out Consequences for ineffective use of freedom are delineatedConsequences for ineffective use of freedom are delineated Signatures of the teacher and student are placed on the agreementSignatures of the teacher and student are placed on the agreement

Benefits of Learning Contracts Gives students control over work Gives students choice about presentation options Can be tiered so that challenge levels of the problems, texts, or skills practiced are suitable for each student

Motivational tool for students Should be offered to many, not just one person Can work with gifted or special needs students Must establish clear expectations Learning Contract Considerations

Assumes it is the teachers responsibility to specify important learnings and make sure students acquire them Assumes students can take on some responsibility for learning themselves Delineates skills that need to be practiced and mastered Ensures that student will apply or use those skills in context

Learning Contract Considerations Specifies working conditions to which students must adhere during the contract time –Student behavior –Time constraints –Homework and class work expectations Establishes criteria for successful completion and quality of work

Learning Contract Considerations Sets positive consequences when student adheres to working conditions, e.g. continued freedoms, privileges, grades Sets negative consequences if student does not adhere to working conditions, e.g. teacher sets working parameters and makes assignments

Grading Contract Guidelines Offer students differentiated criteria for obtaining an A, B, C, or D. Possible Options for Contract Choices: 1.Successfully completes one of four options. (unit test, independent project, differentiated activities, etc.) 2.Successfully completes two of the four options. 3.Successfully completes three of the four options. 4.Successfully completes all four of the options.

Name_________________ My question or topic is:_______________________ To find out about it, I will: I WANT TO KNOW I will draw: _____ I will read: ___ I will write: ____ I will need: _____ I will listen to:_____ I will look at:_____ I will finish by:_____________ How I will share what I learned is:_________ __________________