RISC+Model


 * What is RISC? Let's start with this video.**

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===So - what do you think? For some, it's an organization that will save education. For others, it's a pipe dream for the softies who are ruining education. I hope it's somewhere in between - I first grew interested in the RISC model when I taught in Alaska (where it all started). Since then, everything that I've been interested in as a teacher seems related to their model. From what I've gathered, everything in GRII is related to the RISC model as well.===

RISC stands for ReInvention Schools Coalition - it's really just an organization that helps schools transition to standards and project-based learning. Some of RISC's major philosophies include:

 * Students don't progress to new grades based on time spent in class or their ages - they can't move to the next "level" until they prove they are proficient in a subject's standards.
 * Students progress at their own pace for each subject - an 8th grade student may be working on the 10th grade math standards and the 6th grade writing standards at the same time.
 * Some instruction is (it has to be, doesn't it?) direct in the RISC model, but most student work is project based (see Mary's ideas). The RISC model assumes that the best way to show proficiency is through tasks that are based (or at least related to) real-world problems.
 * Students of different ages work together - again, it's based on proficiency level, not age or time spent sitting at a desk.
 * RISC schools don't use letter grades - they are completely standards based (they feel that grades don't truly measure proficiency).
 * Teachers have to be facilitators of learning ... there are too many students working on too many projects for teachers to be the gatekeepers of knowledge.

RISC's Four Key Aspects Include: ([])

 * Key aspects include:
 * A //transparent curriculum.// The knowledge and skills students must learn as they progress through developmental levels to high school graduation are open and clear to everyone.
 * //Flexibility.// Students are encouraged to move in and out of levels in different content areas, at their own pace.
 * //Student ownership.// Students own, lead, and partner with their teachers in every phase of learning. Goal setting. Tracking progress. Student-teacher conferences. Even assessment.
 * //High standards.// Students must demonstrate proficient or better knowledge or skill (equivalent to a grade of B or better) in every required standards area.

Some questions that I still have about the RISC model:

 * How is this all organized? In theory, it seems great that kids are working at their level at their pace ... but we all know how big of a headache scheduling is!
 * How can you convince teachers, students, and the community that standards-based learning is truly more vigorous than our current model?
 * Where does the elephant in the room - testing and accountablity (at least the Fed's idea of accountability) fit in this model?

Some things that I've explored that will help you learn more about the RISC model, if interested:

 * RISC's website - this is the place to start. []
 * [[image:http://www.reinventingschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Delivering-on-the-Promise-SMALL-200x300.jpg width="112" height="168"]]RISC's book - __Delivering on the Promise__. Really, this is the best place to start. This book is a must read ... you'll leave it inspired with TONS of more questions about how our schools operate today.
 * More RISC videos can be found here ... check out Marzano's videos on assessment if you're interested. []
 * Here's a website from a school in Anchorage, Alaska that uses the RISC model. []
 * And last, but not least, ... here's one more article - "Success the Only Option." Check it out ... [[file:Success the Only Option.pdf]]