The learning stations provide a variety of activities designed to accommodate all learning modalities. Teachers clearly explain station activities and use Task Cards to specify assign ment requirements at each station. The assignments are ap propriate for the students' level of intellectual and social development. The teacher prepares a Daily Station Assignment Sheet 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 praised and encouraged. They participate in weekly structured cluster meetings, and in joint planning and unit-culminating activities. Once during each six-week unit, teachers spend thirty minutes observing the two other classrooms in their cluster. Students set and assess unit goals. Students are guided by their teachers to set reasonable goals at the beginning of each six-week unit.