Teachers help students get ready to learn. They explain lesson objectives in simple, everyday language and refer to them throughout lessons to maintain focus. Students have plenty of opportunity for guided and independent practice with new concepts and skills. Teachers select problems and other academic tasks that are well matched to lesson content so student success rate is high. Seatwork assignments also provide variety and challenge.
Teachers require that students be accountable for their academic work.
When introducing new concepts and skills, wholegroup instruction, actively led by the teacher, is preferable. Smaller groups are formed within the classroom as needed to make sure all students learn thoroughly. Teachers review and adjust groups often, moving students when achievement levels change. The impetus for the project was the district Board of Education's decision to focus on improving student learning in the areas of higher order thinking. Since it opened, a cooperative learning approach has been applied throughout the school, the result of a Board resolution identifying cooperative learning as a main district priority.