"Mastery Learning, ML, is an instructional strategy based on the principle that all students can learn a set of reasonable objectives with appropriate instruction and sufficient time to learn. ML puts the techniques of tutoring and individualized instruction into a group learning situation and brings the learning strategies of successful students to nearly all the students of a given group. In its full form it includes a philosophy, curriculum structure, instructional model, the alignment of student assessment, and a teaching approach. The theories of Mastery Learning resulted in a radical shift in responsibility for teachers; the blame for a student's failure rests with the instruction not a lack of ability on the part of the student."  Read more

"Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other's learning. The idea is simple. Class members are organized into small groups after receiving instruction from the teacher. They then work through the assignment until all group members successfully understand and complete it."  Read more

The War Against Excellence
Heterogeneous grouping is a staple of cooperative learning -- one of the many educational fads that have seeped into middle-school education over the past 50 years. Cheri Pierson Yecke, former secretary of education in Virginia and commissioner of education in Minnesota, describes this movement to make all middle-school students equally mediocre in her book, “The War Against Excellence.” Read more

"Accelerated Learning is a systematic approach to teaching the whole person, containing specific core elements that, when used together, empower students to learn faster, more effectively and joyfully." Read more

"Thematic instruction involves the planning of instructional units based on a central theme. Following the identification of the theme, curricular areas and activities are meaningfully connected to the chosen theme." Read more

"Whole-brained teaching is presenting information in a four-pronged fashion that accommodates all four learning styles. It should be used when teachers are presenting information to more than one student or when they do not know the learning style of the student(s) they are teaching." Read more

"Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities." Read more

Cognitive Coaching is "a method of instruction based on the understanding that metacognition (being aware of thinking processes) fosters independence in learning by providing personal insights into one's own thinking; builds flexible, confident problem solving; and encourages self-efficacy and pride." Read more

School-to-Work Transition integrates theoretical instruction with structured on-the-job training, and this approach, combined with school-based learning, can be very effective in engaging student interest, enhancing skill acquisition, developing positive work attitudes, and preparing youths for high-skill, high-wage careers." Students "in the United States can achieve high academic and occupational standards, and many learn better and retain more when the students learn in context, rather than in the abstract."

Youth Apprenticeship systems are required to include school-based learning, work-based learning and connecting components. Read more

Instructional Technology To help states and districts prepare today's students for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow, a set of seven action steps and accompanying recommendations have been developed.

▪ Strengthen Leadership
▪ Consider Innovative Budgeting
▪ Improve Teacher Training
▪ Support E-Learning and Virtual Schools
▪ Encourage Broadband Access
▪ Move Toward Digital Content
▪ Integrate Data Systems
▪ Read more