Critical Thinking

Source: Adapted from the California Academic Press's Holistic Critical Thinking Scoring Rubric (HCTSR)

Learning Outcomes	Definition	Course Outcomes
Identification	Accurately Identifies and Interprets Evidence	This course deepens students critical thinking skills in many ways. In preparation for each class period students must complete a “Reading Analysis Guide” which scaffolds their learning and prepares them to engage in deep student-led classroom discussions. For example, students must identify 3-5 major claims in the reading and explain their rationale for the selection of each. Because not all students select the same 3-5 major claims students must respectfully consider alternative claims made by their peers. In addition, students must identify an idea in the reading that they do not agree with or partially agree with. Doing so requires students to be active readers that do not merely accept all claims but instead consider alternative ideas which are not presented. As a means to facilitate accurate conclusions, students not only identify areas that they do not agree with but also identify resources where they can learn more about these ideas. Ultimately, the reading analysis guide prepares students to make and justify claims in order to facilitate deep student-led discussion about the ways in which schools can engage in culturally-relevant instruction.
Alternate Consideration	Considers major alternative points of view
Accurate Conclusions	Draws warranted, judicious, non-fallacious conclusions
Justification	Justifies key results and procedures, and explains assumptions and reasons