Educational Consultant Heather McKenzie visited a middle school and saw how educators were incorporating small group teacher-led instruction. Students clearly knew their routines and procedures for working in their small groups. Students easily referred to the agenda on the board and knew where to go for their first small group station. Directions were visible at each station to remind students of what work was to be completed for their small group. Noise level expectations were clearly shared across the grade level as overall descriptions were posted in every classroom, and students understood what working at a “level 1” or “level 2” at a station meant. Procedures were in place for turning in work and for what to do when work was finished early. Heather was excited to see how smoothly students transitioned from one station to another and how little direction was required from the teacher. These students and their teacher were maximizing instructional time!