Through a meta-analysis of studies on instructional strategies, Marzano, Pickering, and Pollock (2001) have identified nine families of strategies that significantly increase student achievement. The results of this meta-analysis point educator to a proven pedagogy with teacher-tested, tried-and-true techniques that work to increase student achievement through cognitive and cooperative efforts. Nine Best Practices That Make the Difference presents research-based instructional ideas that encompass an essential repertoire for beginning and developing teachers as they become skilled professionals. The skills are organized in a "framework for quality" that includes observable skills in four instructional areas: Creating an Environment for Learning, Teaching the Standards of Learning, Structuring Interactions with Learning, and Reflecting about the Learning.