In this report, the authors briefly review the history of First Things First’s evolving approach to helping schools improve teaching and learning. “Toughest Nut to Crack” then answers the question “what does good teaching and learning look like?” by introducing and defining three core instructional goals: engagement, alignment, and rigor.
The specific sets of instructional supports offered by IRRE – including their genesis, rationale, and current status (at time of publication) are also outlined here. Finally, the authors discuss challenges that IRRE and school and district partners continue to face in implementing an effective and sustainable approach to strengthening instruction.
