Teachers using 8-step process to boost student scores

Some Virginia educators are finding success by constantly assessing students' understanding as part of an eight-step process designed to improve student achievement. The "8-Step Instructional Cycle" -- developed by two authors who have written about closing the achievement gap -- instructs teachers to teach a lesson, then assess students for understanding. If 80% of students pass the quiz, teachers move on to another lesson, but if most fail, the lesson is retaught. The Roanoke Times (Va.)