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Purposefully Designed Learning

Starting with the End in Mind to Ensure Excellence.

Our Curriculum Framework: Understanding by Design (UbD)

At CMIS, excellence is never accidental; it is intentional. We utilize the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, a "backward design" approach that prioritizes deep, transferable understanding over rote memorization.
Our educators begin the design process by identifying the long-term goals — the specific knowledge and skills students need to succeed in the future. By "starting with the end in mind," we ensure that every lesson, classroom activity, and assessment is a purposeful step toward achieving those results.

The Three Stages of Design

To guarantee a rigorous and cohesive learning experience, our teachers plan through three distinct stages:
  • Stage 1: We Identify Desired Results We define what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the unit or course. This stage focuses on standards, key concepts, essential questions, and long-term learning goals.
  • Stage 2: We Determine Acceptable Evidence We decide how we will know if students have achieved the desired results. This includes designing assessments, projects, performances, or other authentic ways for students to demonstrate their understanding and skills.
  • Stage 3: We Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction We design engaging lessons and activities that will help students acquire the knowledge and skills they need. This stage ensures total alignment between the goals we set and the assessments we identified earlier.


Standards-Based Foundations

Our academic program is built upon a foundation of globally recognized American and international standards. This ensures that a CMIS education is both rigorous and portable, preparing students for success in any educational system worldwide.

  • Core Academics: * English Language Arts & Mathematics: Common Core State Standards (K-12).

    • Science: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) (K-12).

    • Social Studies: AERO Standards based on the C3 Framework (K-12).

    • World Languages: AERO Standards based on ACTFL (G8-12).

  • The Arts & Innovation:

    • Visual & Performing Arts: National Core Arts Standards (K-12).

    • Computer Science: CSTA K-12 Standards (G6-12).

    • Digital Citizenship: ISTE Standards for Students (K-12).

  • Holistic Development:

    • Physical Education & Health: Washington State Standards (K-12).

    • Counseling & Wellness: CASEL Framework and International School Counselor Association (ISCA) Standards (K-12).

    • Library Media: AASL Standards (K-12).

  • University Readiness:

    • Advanced Placement (AP): College Board Standards for college-level courses in High School.


Curriculum Alignment & Coherence: CHALK

To maintain the highest academic standards, we utilize professional curriculum mapping to:
  • Align learning to standards to ensure students are meeting key outcomes at each stage.
  • Support vertical and horizontal alignment, so learning builds progressively year to year and across subjects.
  • Document our curriculum clearly, helping new teachers onboard quickly and returning teachers reflect and refine their practice.
  • Foster coherence between what is taught, assessed, and reported.
  • Provide transparency for internal review, accreditation, and curriculum evaluation.