Academic Excellence

Badge Description:

Recognizes programs that focus on core academic subjects like reading, writing, math, and science, using engaging strategies that promote mastery and critical thinking.

Eligibility Criteria:

To earn the Academic Excellence badge, providers must demonstrate a commitment to academic learning through the following:

Required Components (Must meet all):

• Core Subject Focus: Instruction includes at least one of the following: reading, writing, mathematics, science, or history.

• Structured Curriculum: A clear, documented plan that shows progression of academic topics or learning outcomes.

• Active Learning Strategies: Use of guided practice, discussion, academic games, inquiry, or problem-solving—not just worksheets or passive learning.

• Evidence of Mastery-Based Learning: Programs must show how students are supported in achieving understanding through feedback, differentiation, or small group instruction.

• Assessment or Observation Methods: Some form of progress monitoring (formal or informal), such as portfolios, quizzes, rubrics, or teacher notes.
  
  

Suggested Qualifiers (At least 2 recommended):

• Inquiry-Based Dialogue: Students are encouraged to ask questions and express reasoning aloud.

• Multi-Sensory Instruction: Uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods to reach different learning styles and enhance retention (e.g., movement, manipulatives, music, color-coding).

• Reading or Writing Journals: Integration of reflective, creative, or structured journaling.

• Hands-On Experiments or Projects: Science labs, models, math manipulatives, or real-world applications.

• Logic & Problem Solving: Activities that promote mental math, logic games, puzzles, or critical thinking challenges.

• Real-Life Application Activities: Math, science, or reading tied to everyday situations (e.g., budgeting, nature measurement, current events analysis).

• Individualized Learning Plans: Each student has a personalized academic path or learning goals based on their pace, level, and strengths—ideal for tutoring programs.

• Academic Reflection or Goal-Setting: Students regularly review their progress, set academic intentions, and reflect on learning strategies that worked best.

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