Comprehensive literacy and numeracy instruction begins with assessment for learning to determine students’ strengths and needs, and informs the level of support required within the gradual release of responsibility. In this responsive practice, the instructional decisions are based on descriptive evidence of learning that guides the teacher in differentiating instruction.

Zone of Actual Development

Zone of Development Zone of Actual Development

STUDENT TEACHER COLLABORATIVE STUDENTWhat the student can already do independently

Demonstration by teacher

Assistance from teacher, peer or environment.

We do it together. We think together.

What the student can now do

independently

Instructional Approaches

Independent Modelled Shared Guided IndependentYou do your own

thinking or with peers. I do. You

think.I do. You

help.You do it with peers. I help.

You do your own thinking or with peers.

Examples-KWL-anticipation guides-brainstorming

-reading and writing aloud-direct explanation with example

-shared reading and writing-shared media experience

-guided reading and writing-literature circles with coaching-inquiry circles-reciprocal teaching-jigsaw

-independent application of skill-informal conferences-exit tickets

Gradual Release of Responsibility

I do assessment for learning.

I do assessment for learning.

Peel District School Board

A Gradual Release of Responsibility Model

Adapted from: Frey, Fisher & Everlove (2009)

Teacher Responsibility

Student Responsibility

Making Thinking Explicit Modelling “I/we do it”

Collaborative Learning “You do it together”

Independent Tasks “You do it alone”Application in New Contexts

“We do it”Guided Instruction

Practice

Webcast

Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat

Gradual Release of Responsibility Model

by Jeffrey Wilhelm

Quality Teaching It’s Intentional

(3.5 minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2kthBiYHF4

Instructional Approaches

Teac

her

Sup

port

High

Low

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

Shared Practice

Modelled Practice TO

WITH

BY

Independent PracticeWhat do the

students know?