Another Perspective on Rigor

I recently read this article, which focuses on assessment.  Point five deals with ensuring rigor. 

"5. Ensure Rigor You can be creative with authentic assessments, but you still have to base your assessments on the standards you are teaching. Develop rubrics that will show you exactly what your students are learning. Share these rubrics with your students so they’ll have a clear idea of what you want them to accomplish and how you expect them to demonstrate it." 

I thought this was one great point about rigor...in fact, it reflects my definition of rigor.  First, creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels--match assessments to a high level curriculum.  Second, each student is supported to learn at high levels--helping students understand what they are expected to do is one aspect of support.  Finally, each student is expected to demonstrate learning at high levels--with clear standards, they have a better chance of actually demonstrating that learning at high levels.  Some great tips!