Gradual+Release

**Gradual Release of Responsibility**
Gradual release of responsibility is one of the **seven principles** of LwICT. The model of Explicit Instruction developed by Pearson and Gallagher, as explained in the ELA curriculum and the //Independent Together// document informs on the learning of students across the Continuum and the snapshots.



A simpler representation of this model can be seen as follows:



Students profiled in the Emerging Snapshot are beginning learners who need teacher guidance. Descriptors in this area typically state and underline this; for example, “P-1.2: Follows __given__ plan”, “G-1.1: Finds… from __given__ media sources”. There is an expectation that teachers will guide students, that there will be much collaborative work as students learn from one another, that teachers will model and students will follow directions.

In the Developing and Transitioning snapshots, students learn to take their learning into their own hands, with the guidance of the teacher. While there is still modeling happening, students are expected to draw upon their own experiences and to extend their learning into new areas. There is a constant exchange of responsibility between teacher and student. Under this gentle release, students are still nurtured yet learn to learn independently.

In the Expanding snapshot, the student should be taking charge of his/her learning. The teacher takes a “guide on the side” role as students strive to become independent learners. This does not mean that students are expected to work on their own, but rather that they have a measure of control over their learning, be it on their own or within a group.