Teachers clearly explain station activities and use Task Cards to specify assignment requirements at each station. The assignments are appropriate for the students' levels of intellectual and social development. Teachers designate where students begin working each day. The teacher prepares a Daily Station Assignment Board so that students know where to begin working after whole group instruction. The classroom ambiance is supportive, equitable, and risk-free.
Teachers set high expectations and follow equitable practices.
There is a positive tone where students are frequently supported and encouraged. Teacher Collaboration Components Teachers work in cooperative teams. They participate in weekly structured cluster meetings, and in joint planning and unit-culminating activities. Teachers observe students in other classrooms. Once during each six-week unit, teachers spend thirty minutes observing the two other classrooms in their cluster.