• Promotes deep learning about important content
• Promotes student ownership and control

Theme 2: Academic Rigor of the Project

• Engages students in investigation, inquiry, and problem solving
• Establishes clear and challenging learning goals
• Enhances student learning through materials, resources, and support

Theme 3: Authenticity of the Project

• Addresses a real community need or interest
• Helps students take on community roles
• Engages students in real work that produces results
• Develops students' appreciation and understanding of place

Theme 4: Assessment

• Involves all participants in assessing learning
• Relies on multiple sources of information to assess learning
• Uses the results of assessment to facilitate learning