Introductory overview followed by presentation of school district approaches using traditional vs. innovative teaching strategies

School District A relies on traditional teaching methods.

• Classes are conducted with an emphasis on lectures and note taking.
• Lessons are organized around traditional subject areas.
• Basic skills and knowledge are emphasized, stressing facts, spelling, grammar, etc.
• Students are placed according to academic ability and given regular exams with traditional report cards with letter grades

School District B relies on innovative teaching methods.

• Classes emphasize discussion and students are encouraged to participate.
• Several subjects are taught together by organizing lessons around themes
• Creativity and the use of tools to find and manage information is emphasized
• Students are encouraged to use calculators and computers from the beginning
• Kids of differing abilities are grouped together
• Progress is assessed through teacher observations, and projects, not by tests