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7. Structure Time

Structure instructional time to engage, enrich, and support students, as part of a longer school day, week, or year.

Research suggests that tailoring instruction to individual and small group needs and engaging students in the learning process can maximize positive impact on students' academic outcomes. Schools can leverage the additional time to lengthen blocks for some subjects, to provide an additional block of academic support, or to designate blocks for targeted instruction in smaller classes grouped by academic needs. This additional time can be used to vary instructional strategies and to provide more hands-on learning opportunities to engage students and deepen their understanding and retention. The selection of strategies should be based on timely information about students' knowledge and skills. Monitoring student progress can inform refinements to instructional plans. Teacher professional development and collaborative planning meetings can support the successful implementation of strategies to individualize instruction and engage students.