1.+Learning+Philosophy

====**We are a learning community**. This means that we create an environment where everyone feels safe to take risks while learning. We all agree to respect each other and each other's ideas by being deliberately inclusive and open.====

[[image:classbase/Question.gif width="50" height="69" align="left"]]
====**[|**Inquiry**],** or asking questions, is a foundation of learning. Asking good questions is as important as finding the answers. We focus on asking questions and brainstorming ideas, and only then beginning to do research to create, as a response to our questions.====

====**Cooperative Learning** is another foundation in our classroom. Working in groups allows more participation by more students. Small group conversations facilitate thinking and writing. Many assignments are done as group collaborations with an individual component.====

**[[image:checklistCC.jpg width="50" height="80" align="left"]]Assessment for Learning**
====Students use self-assessment and ongoing teacher input to become aware of their own learning processes and progress. In plain English, this means clearly being aware of what you want to learn, and reflecting (often in writing) on how you are doing.====