1. Clarifying Language in Michigan Benchmarks

2. MI CLiMB is a project of the Michigan Department of Education to improve teaching and learning by clarifying the language in the benchmarks of the Michigan Curriculum Framework.

3. Why do we need MI CLiMB? If we are to improve achievement in Michigan, every teacher must understand the meaning of each benchmark for which they are responsible.

4. Why is difficult language in the benchmarks? The language of the standards and benchmarks in the Michigan Curriculum Framework is precise language used by teachers and specialists of each subject. The precision of this specialized language accurately communicates the ideas and concepts of that subject.

5. MI CLiMB provides: An explanation of each benchmark in plain language An example of a teaching strategy An example of a classroom assessment strategy A selection of resources to support the benchmark

6. MI CLiMB is available for free on CD-ROM or online at http://www.miclimb.net

7. MI-CLiMB Online

8. Keyword - Users can search for topics within content areas, grade levels or curriculum areas by means of a keyword.

9. MI-CLiMB Online Content Outline Window - Similar to a table of contents, this left-hand window displays an expandable index of the tool's content by title. Click on the arrows next to content titles to expand the outline.

10. MI-CLiMB Online Strand - A Strand, the highest level of the hierarchy, is a MI CLiMB content classification which groups related Benchmarks and content.Benchmarks Content Standard - A description of what all students should know and be able to do in each of the Subject Areas.Subject Areas Benchmark - Statements which indicate what students should know and be able to do at various developmental levels (i.e. early/later elementary school, middle school and high school).

11. MI-CLiMB Online

12. Benchmark Clarification - A further description of the intent behind the Benchmark, developed by teachers for teachers in each subject area and grade level.Benchmark Instructional Example - These are concrete ideas for teaching to the Benchmark. Educators from around the state have contributed instructional examples for each benchmark based on their expertise in specific subject areas.Benchmark

13. MI-CLiMB Online

14. Assessment Example - Based on the Instructional Example, this provides a way to assess students' performance against the intent of the Benchmark.Instructional ExampleBenchmark Resources - Repositories of information which will further help to clarify the Benchmark. These include references, Web-based resources, and many other types of recommended resources.Benchmark

15. MI-CLiMB Online

16. Remember that MI-CLiMB is not a complete curriculum to follow, but is meant to be a guide for initiating your own curriculum development.