Beacon uses performance-based assessment that asks students to solve problems and create products that demonstrate their knowledge or skills, though traditional testing is also used. Students demonstrate their learning by devising and defending an original science experiment, applying mathematical concepts to real situations, presenting an oral argument in a mock trial, writing an analytical essay, or constructing a web page. At Beacon, these assessments are commonly referred to as projects and form the basis of our graduation requirements.

Each discipline has a similar set of expectations from students. Science, Mathematics, History, English, and Foreign Languages all require students to present projects during each academic year. These projects will be assessed by one or perhaps two teachers using a rubric. These rubrics provide a framework of standards that clearly outlines our expectations for each discipline and shows how a student's grade has been decided

For more information on each department's project-based assessment, including copies of rubrics, please see below:

English • History • Foreign Language • Science • Mathematics

Click HERE for the complete Graduation Handbook for the Classes of 2006, 2007 & 2008 (pdf file)

The heart of Beacon’s curriculum is dynamic classroom teaching and performance-based assessment. Some components are:

Active Learning
At Beacon, classrooms are based on critical analysis, discussion, and debate. Inquiry learning includes requirements for original research and experiment design, emphasis on analytical writing, revision, and publication.

Habits of Mind and Work
Consistent throughout Beacon is an inquiry stance: encouragement of students to examine content from a variety of perspectives, to debate and discuss views, to support their opinions with evidence, and to develop and use study and organizational skills.

Performance-based projects required for graduation
To graduate from Beacon, students must present and defend selected projects each year. Some examples of the performance-based projects are: an original science experiment and oral defense of the findings; application of higher-level mathematics to real-life situations; an original history research paper that includes an oral history; analytical essays on literature and creative writing; oral, written, and listening assessment in foreign language; and community service internships.

Multiple service to help students
Students get many opportunities to revise work and to discuss work with teachers. Students receive detailed responses on their written work, narrative reports on their progress in each class twice per year, and in-school and after-school tutoring. Homework and assignments are made available to parents and students though this website (see Parent Center).