Gradual Release Small Group Model for High School ELA
Directions
Read the information on this page and watch the two videos. After you have completed the reading and watched the videos, complete the Zombie Survival Guide questions.
High School Small Groups
Small group instruction can be a very powerful intervention strategy in the classroom. Students of all ability levels and all ages can benefit from an intentional small group lesson as part of an instructional block.
Why do I need small groups?
Planning for Small Group Instruction
Small groups can look different on different days. Small groups should be designed to meet the needs of the students in the classroom. Small groups will not look the same every day. Small groups may not be needed for every lesson that a teacher presents to the class. The decision to use small group instruction must be made using data from the classroom and must be intentionally planned.
Small Group Instruction for Secondary Students
Small Group Multiple Station Model
This video provides a classroom view of small groups being used to reinforce a grammar skill that was previously taught. Students are grouped based on a collection of data from the prior lesson. Activities have been planned to allow students to practice skills on their current instructional level.
Visible Learning: The Sequel
A Synthesis of Over 2,100 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement
Small Group Learning
John Hattie's study showed a positive impact on student achievement when small groups were used in the classroom. Students benefit from the individualized support and lessons provided using a small group framework.
Zombie Survival Guide
Locate the High School Small Group section in your Zombie Survival Guide and answer the following questions.
How could you begin to implement small groups in your classroom? If you are already implementing small groups, what could you do to enhance the instruction of your small groups?