What curriculum is used at PRAXIS and how are students evaluated?

PRAXIS has developed an educational scope and sequence that reflects the curriculum adopted by the program.  The curriculum focuses on the core classes of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.  The Minnesota Graduation Rule guides the curriculum and all classes have been aligned with the Graduation Standards.  Performance assessments from the Minnesota Children, Families, & Learning Repository have been implemented in each of the content areas to support rigor and academic accomplishments.  Students attending PRAXIS who have not yet passed the Minnesota Basic Standards tests in reading, math, and writing are given additional assistance in these areas.  Ultimately, the Individual Education Program (IEP or IIIP) determines the educational program for each student.  Individualized instruction will be provided for students in order to meet their academic IEP goals.  Progress reports will be sent to parents on a regular basis.

Formal social skills instruction is delivered three times weekly.  Daily group meetings are also held as a means of learning to show care and concern for their peers and to take responsibility for their actions.  On an individual basis, teachers make use of "teachable moments" to reinforce appropriate social skills.

Life skills are taught depending on student need and IEP goals.  Residential students are able to assist in the kitchen, work on the grounds, or help with cleaning.  A variety of supplemental curriculum instructions in job skills as well as home and daily living skills are provided.  Project Discovery in Marshall, Minnesota, is also available to PRAXIS students for transition evaluation.

PRAXIS evaluates student academic work with letter grades based on percentages.  Grade reports will be sent to parents and districts and kept in the student's file.

A student's accomplishments in the MN graduation standards will be recorded on a summary page, kept in the student's file, and sent to the district when the student returns.

Grading Scale

A+       99-100

A         94-98

A-        90-93

B+       88-89

B         83-87

B-       80-82

C+      78-79

C        74-77

C-      70-73

D+     68-69

D       64-67

D-     61-63

F       60 and below