Instruction
Recommended Practice: Maintain a consistent focus on improving instruction.
- Overview & Tools: Video overviews and professional development materials
- Learn What Works: Expert interviews about instruction
- See How It Works: Videos and sample materials from schools
Teacher Teams Data Chart
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Teachers at an urban elementary school use data charts in inquiry teams to review students' progress toward content area proficiency goals. The form helps teachers identify students who need...
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Sample Material
Balanced Literacy Evaluation Checklist
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Teachers use this checklist to ensure they adhere to a balanced literacy curriculum. The checklist addresses expectations for conducting read-alouds; facilitating shared, independent, and guided...
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Sample Material
Curriculum Map
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Teachers use curriculum maps, like this K-5 sample, to plan the year's instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Related Files: Young Scholars' Academy...
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Sample Material
Professional Action Plan and Year-End Goals Evaluation
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
At one elementary school, teachers and the principal periodically meet to discuss progress toward goals for content, environment, and professional development. Teachers use this form to note their...
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Sample Material
ELA Goal-Setting Plan
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Students use this tracker to set short- and long-term goals and monitor their own progress in English language arts. Students identify the skills they need to develop, and teachers hold periodic...
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Sample Material
Homework Log
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Parents are required to sign and return the Homework Log that outlines the daily homework for the week. This log allows parents, students, and teachers to be knowledgeable about what is expected of...
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Sample Material
Homework Trouble Sheet: Eighth-Grade Mathematics
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Students who are having trouble answering questions on their homework fill out this Homework Trouble Sheet, which allows them to have their homework excused for one day to get extra...
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Sample Material
Awards Sheet
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This log allows teachers and staff to celebrate successes by displaying students who made honor rolls and received "Extra Effort," "Perfect Attendance," and "Homework Stars" awards. Related...
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Sample Material
Charting the Course to Academic Excellence
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
The school uses this district template to record three-year data trends, data from the previous year, bi-weekly data reports, and discipline issues. These data then help staff to direct and improve...
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Sample Material
Walk-Through Observation Form
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The principal uses this checklist as he observes instruction and comments on such practices as the classroom environment, clear instructional objectives, use of instructional strategies, and...
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Sample Material
Assessment Data and Math Department Success Elements
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This data report from Waterford High School is used by math teachers to collaboratively analyze data to determine strengths and weaknesses in student learning. Based on the data, teachers decide to...
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Sample Material
Fifth-Grade Reading Lesson Plan
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This lesson plan provides an example of a weekly fifth-grade reading lesson. Teachers use this format to plan all their lessons. The lesson plan includes standards addressed, objectives,...
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Sample Material
