Lessons are organized using thematic units. Curriculum promotes higher-order thinking skills. Language learning is promoted across content areas. Minimal use is made of ditto sheets or individulized work. Instruction Students' language and culture are valued.
Teachers impart high expectations and provide strong support.
Instucional conditions emphasize authentic communicative learning situations. Teachers use students' backgrounds and strengths in planning and implementing teaching episodes, making use of learning styles and collaborative work. Through interactive teaching, teachers provide opportunities for students to talk and write as a way to learn. Teachers develop students' higher-order thinking skills. A highly informal, family-like atmosphere exists, in which students help each other learn.