Three grade-levels form a cluster for instruction in reading, language arts, and mathematics. Each classroom in the cluster has learning stations equipped with computers, software, and other learning materials appropriate for either reading, language arts, or mathematics. Students spend one hour in each of the subject classrooms in their cluster every day. Cluster teachers function as trained experts in a subject specialty. Students work with the same teacher team for three years.
Teachers use research-based materials to plan lessons and coordinate instruction.
Teachers incorporate suggestions from the teaching tips into their instruction. Students work at a variety of learning stations. Students work cooperatively at learning stations when they are not working with the teacher. The learning stations provide a variety of activities designed to accommodate all learning modalities and multiple intelligences. Station activities are clearly defined and appropriate to students' abilities and needs.