Cooperative Learning - A teaching strategy utilizing the concept of cooperative group effort in achieving a goal or purpose. Each participant has a determined role in helping the group reach their goal. Not synonymous with group work. Creative Thinking Skills - Activities or assignments which require the students to operate at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Early Entrance - An acceleration strategy whereby students enter kindergarten or first grade earlier than the age usually prescribed.
Options vary by building.
Groups change regularly according to purpose or topic. Grade Level Acceleration - A method whereby students move ahead one or more years beyond the next level in the normal sequence of promotion. Literature Circles - A model of instruction where several books of varying degrees of difficulty are read by children in small groups. These selections have a central theme, could be written by the same author, or could center on a certain style of writing. They are tools that can be used to explore topics or practice skills.