1. LEARNING CONTRACTS * Central skills must still be taught to the whole class, whether individually, in small groups, or as whole class instruction.

2. CONSOLIDATION AND APPLICATION OF NEW SKILLS Learning contracts that specify products to be produced can be assigned to students. Typically each product, and its mark value, is listed in the order in which items should be completed. Mark ranges ( e.g., > 80 =B) are understood in writing before the contract is engaged.

3. In the contract… The student, parent, and teacher each sign the contract. A completion date for all work is identified. Quasi-legal language is used to “bind” the student named in the contract. The classroom is organized so that the materials needed for the contract are readily available.

4. The finished product… The teacher keeps a visible master schedule showing which students have completed which work. The schedule is dated as to when products are handed in and when they are returned, with assessments, to the student. Teachers may want to establish portfolios of work that build over the course of the contract for each student.

5. EXAMPLE OF A LEARNING CONTRACT See p. 250 of Teaching in the Elementary School The teacher’s role becomes that of a guide to learning. Think big…but start small; choose one curriculum area to start on a contract; build in other areas gradually.