Students in each subject are challenged to construct explanations and to test their understanding of concepts by applying and discussing them. Instructional tasks and classroom discourse require students to interpret tests and construct solutions. Talk A substantial portion of instructional time involves students in talk related to the concepts delineated in the standards. Accountable Talk sharpens students' thinking by reinforcing their ability to build and use knowledge. Teachers create the norms and skills of Accountable Talk in their classrooms by modeling appropriate forms of discussion and by questioning, probing and leading conversations.
Students listen attentively to one another.
Students elaborate and build upon ideas and each others' contributions. Students work toward the goal of clarifying or expanding a proposition. Students provide evidence for claims and arguments. Students identify the knowledge that may not be available yet which is needed to address an issue. Students construct explanation.