The Gradual Release of Responsibility is a research-based instructional model developed by Pearson and Gallagher (1993). In this optimal learning model, the responsibility for task completion shifts gradually over time from the teacher to the student.

Gradual Release of Responsibility (Pearson and Gallagher, 1993): Graphic

Essential 55 Rules for Success in the Classroom from Ron Clark, former Teacher of the Year.

Increasing Student Engagement and Motivation: From Time on Task to Homework - This informative publication from NWREL provides a synthesis of the research as well as strategies and suggestions on the topic.

Downloadable Resources:

• Double the Work- Challenges and Solutions to Acquiring Language and Academic Literacy for Adolescent English Language Learners - This recent report from the Carnegie Corporation describes the literacy challenges faced by adolescent ELLs and offers recommendations for improvement.

Web Links and Resources:

Identifying Persuasive Text - These questions will be helpful when trying to discriminate between expository and persuasive texts.

Persuasive Techniques- This handout identifies and provides examples of various persuasive techniques, including all those tested on the Kansas Reading Assessment at grades 6-12.

Resources to come

Kansas Reading Assessment - This chart connections between text type and author's purpose:

Text Features Poster - A colorful poster shared by Amy Waggoner. Thanks Amy!

Text Feature Treasure Hunt: This activity provides students the opportunity to search for all of the text features tested on the Kansas Reading Assessment. It is great when used with a newspaper, textbook, or student magazine.

Resources for Teaching Inferences