Work is demanding and Scaffolded

We teachers understand that we must begin planning curriculum to ensure that work is important, focused, and engaging. We also know that each lesson should be scaffolded and challenging to ensure we maximize the potential for each learner.

Strategies for demanding and supported curriculum and instruction:

• Use tiered approaches.
• Incorporate complex instruction.
• Use a variety of rubrics to guide quality.
• Provide learning contracts at appropriate times.
• Aim high.
• Take a "no excuses" stance.
• Become computer savvy.
• Help students realize success is the result of effort.
• Use the New American Lecture Format.
• Designate a "keeper of the book."
• Try ThinkDots.
• Directly teach strategies for working successfully with text.
• Use think alouds.
• Use small group Instruction as a regular part of instructional cycles.
• Establish peer networks for learning.
• Promote language proficiency.
• Use weekend study buddies.
• Make peer-critique or peer-review sessions a regular feature.
• Cue and coach student responses.
• Team with resource specialists.