The following are some practical strategies that I've used while implementing this model in my science classroom. At the beginning of the school year, I send a letter home to the parents or guardians of all my students, explaining the rationale behind my teaching model and how it works. This letter establishes the responsibilities that both parents and students assume for the students' academic success. Parents must sign and return the letter to me. (Click to see a Sample Letter to Parents online.) I make all activities accessible to students in a filing cabinet. Students can make up work that they missed and get optional assignments as needed. I allow students to revise all work (except quizzes) for the full amount of points. I'd rather have them leave something correct rather than incorrect. This allows them to research the correct answers and to correct their thinking. Since there is no planning throughout the unit, I grade student work and return it the following class period. This provides immediate feedback, allows them to revise and correct mistakes right away, and keeps the students' grades current on their Performance Monitors. Point values on activities can be changed to fit an individual teacher's own grading format. Time frames may be helpful if used properly, although I found that my students didn't follow these very well. (Click to view a sample Time Frame online.) Click to see a list of Advantages that the program provides. Small Planet Home Page Copyright © 2000 Small Planet Communications, Inc. 15 Union Street Lawrence, MA 01840 (978) 794-2201 planet@smplanet.com