They learn in a variety of environments, including libraries, museums, workplaces, and their own homes. CFL links the school to these and other institutions, including health, social services, and law enforcement agencies. The idea is to provide a range of learning opportunities for students, coordinate service delivery across organizations, and foster a community-wide commitment to student success. Students are taught to take responsibility for planning and monitoring their own progress. Learning tasks are divided into small units and evaluated frequently by the teacher, who modifies learning plans and instructional strategies on an ongoing basis.
Students progress at their own pace, advancing when ready and taking extra time when necessary.
Individualized attention is provided for those who are not progressing well and for those who are exceptionally talented and ready for advanced lessons in given subjects. Each CFL school has a full-time facilitator, who oversees implementation and assists with training. Results Schools in some of the nation's most impoverished inner city areas have achieved positive results following CFL implementation. A similarly situated elementary school in Houston also witnessed improvements in student achievement, along with positive changes in students' and teachers' attitudes about their school. Commitment by the consensus of a school's staff is required for whole-school implementation.