1. Example from the Field: West Side Collaborative Middle School
Assessments Lacked Variety
Teachers were frustrated
Students were unmotivated
New Assessments Were Developed
Tasks appealed to students’ interests
Audience expanded beyond the teacher
Students Were Daunted
Increasingly complex tasks and professional exemplars proved challenging
Students Persisted
Personal connection and interest in the material encouraged students to work harder 1

2. Integrates content + skills
Authentic
Integrates content + skills

3. Relevant to real world

4. Meaningful grading

5. Builds intrinsic motivation