RiverBend isn't the school you grew up with. Here are some terms that you need to know to understand what RiverBend Academy is all about.

Assessment- When a student is finished with a project it is time for the student to demonstrate their learning. The student will meet with their assessment team (see below) to assess the project. At the assessment the student will use their final products to demonstrate what they have learned and assign a grade based on the quality of the project.

Assessment Team- Rather than being graded by one teacher, each student's work is reviewed by an assessment team that will include: at least 2 advisors and the student. Additional members that could join the team include: the student's parent, a peer, other staff members.

Block - RiverBend Academy operates on a block calendar. What this means is that students attend school for approximately 5-6 weeks at a time. The following week is a block break. During this week the student should continue to work on projects, and do project work requiring time outside of the school. This could include: interviews, job shadows, tours, library research and construction. During this week the staff conducts conferences and participates in staff development. The RiverBend school year consists of 5 blocks that total 167 instructional days.

Charter School- A PUBLIC school given the right by the state department of education to operate through a charter. Charter schools have a sponsoring entity (RiverBend Academy is directly sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education) and receive funding on a per pupil basis like traditional public schools do.

Exploratory-In the afternoon RiverBend Academy offers classes that meet 1-3 times per week. These classes are designed to offer background information and generate project ideas. Some classes may be offered to help students meet standards that are difficult to achieve through project work or need extensive preliminary instruction. Exploratories typically run for 1 block and students may earn credit by completing a class. A list of exploratories being offered this year is available in the classrooms section of this website.

Final Product- To demonstrate what they have learned a student will have work that is to be the final product of their project. Final products may be things associated with traditional classes such as papers, reports, timelines or worksheets. Final products can also include: scale models, flip books, power point presentation, maps, charts, sculptures, performance art, books, demonstrations, oral reports, a mobile, cross word puzzle, storyboard, newspaper, greeting card, pamphlet, panel discussion, journal or other format for demonstrating the mastery of concepts and skills.

Inter-community credit- Part of RiverBend Academies philosophy is to promote community and cooperation among students and staff. Students may earn credit for being a responsible member of the RBA community. Students are assessed according to a rubric on attendance, participation in morning circle, being on task, helping to keep the classroom clean, and following directions.

Lifelong Learning - Students at RiverBend Academy have the opportunity to earn credit for lifelong learning experiences. This allows students to write a reflection about new experiences they have. It could be: visiting a museum, seeing a play, watching a presentation or hearing a speech. The student is responsible for submitting a 250 word written reflection of the experience in order to earn credit.

Project Based Learning-Each student must meet the academic standards set forth by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Legeslature. Instead of taking classes to meet these standards RiverBend Academy has a project based curriculum. Each student meets the standards by completing hands-on projects designed in conjunction with their adviser.

Project Proposal-Because RiverBend Academy is a project based school students have paper work to complete to guide the project process. A project proposal is the first form to be filled out when starting a project. This will outline the goals of the project, consider academic standards to be worked on, choose format for the learning to be demonstrated and seek ideas, suggestions and approval from parents and the assessment team.

Project Assessment- A students work is not graded by a teacher. A team consisting of the student, adviser, another adviser and another student assess projects and agree upon a grade and credit earned

Project management packet- Each project that a student finishes has a management packet that accompanies it. This paperwork guides the student through their project, promotes reflection on the project process, helps keep the project organized and on track and provides checks to keep parents and advisors aware of progress. As of the 2005-2006 school year RiverBend Academy uses Project Foundry an online project paperwork website for project managment.

Presentation Night - At the end of each block Presentation night is the opportunity for students to show off their work. Family members and the community are invited to share in this celebration of student's work. Presentation night begins with a program that usually includes awards given by each adviser, music performances and announcements. The presentations take place in science fair type format.

Senior Project - Graduation from RiverBend Academy requires each student to complete a senior project. This project usually involves planning or investigating post-high school interests. This project is usually broad and covers a number of academic areas. Each student then presents their project at a special "senior presentation night".