This book presents an instructional improvement system based on critical instructional factors identified by research. Teaching activities are provided for each of four components of effective teaching--planning, managing, delivering, and evaluating instruction. For each component, several teaching principles are identified and explained, and for each principle, several general strategies and specific tactics are suggested. Principles include deciding what to teach, deciding how to teach, communicating realistic expectations, preparing for instruction, using time productively, establishing a positive classroom environment, teaching thinking skills, motivating students, providing feedback, providing relevant practice, keeping students actively involved, modifying instruction, monitoring student understanding, monitoring engaged time, maintaining records of student progress, informing students of progress, using data to make decisions, and making judgments about student performance. (Contains 24 references.) (DB)