STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

TEACHERS

Teachers and the work they do in schools and classrooms really do make a difference in the academic performance of minority and at-risk students. Recent large-scale studies provide convincing proof of this. The classroom teacher is probably the most significant factor in closing the achievement gap between and among students. The neediest students in our public school, especially, can benefit greatly from the instruction of a highly qualified, capable teacher.

Researchers point out that strong verbal and math skills, deep content knowledge, and teaching skill are three critical characteristics of an effective teacher (Eliminating the Black-White Gap, 2001).

Positive teacher expectations seem to be associated with greater student achievement. Many minority and at-risk students are greatly affected by their teachers' expectations and may even regard their teacher's perception more than their own (Garrett-Holiday, 1985).

Teacher attitudes and behaviors can significantly influence minority and at-risk student achievement. What can teachers do?

Teachers can:

• encourage and build strong self-image in students.
• foster a "Can do" attitude in students.
• exhibit a spirit of caring. Let students know you are interested in them as individuals.
• maintain high expectations for student performance.
• teach students the skills and strategies that they need to be successful.
• include higher-order thinking skills in instructional delivery and classroom activities. All students benefit from learning these skills.
• involve students in problem-solving tasks routinely and consistently.
• engage all students in meaningful classroom activities everyday.
• exhibit enthusiasm for learning tasks.
• ensure that students read and respond to various text formats routinely and consistently.
• provide specific, supportive feedback in a timely manner.
• use instructional strategies that reflect a variety of learning styles.
• use a variety of teaching styles.
• avoid academic tracking and provide equitable educational opportunities.
• use cooperative and flexible grouping arrangements.
• create a multicultural environment in the classroom.
• build on students' culture in classroom instruction and activities.
• develop positive teacher-parent relationships.

– Adapted from CNORSE: Improving Black Student Achieve