GLAD Strategies
GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) is an effective instructional model for teaching English language development (ELD) and literacy. The award-winning GLAD model, created by Marcia Brechtel, is based on the extensive research-base of second language acquisition, brain research and effective literacy practices for second language learners. GLAD is a standards-based ELD instructional model that promotes high levels of academic language and achievement for students at all levels of English proficiency.
I have been through an intensive seven-day GLAD training to become an official "Be GLAD Teacher." The first two days consist of an overview of the instructional model, including the research base, theoretical framework, and backwards planning process of creating content-based ELD units in Science and Social Studies. During the two day training, teachers also learn about the components of the GLAD model, as well as multiple effective ELD and SDAIE strategies within each component. The four components of GLAD consist of the following:
Focus/Motivation (which is very similar to building background)
Input (ways to make cognitively complex concepts understandable to students)
Guided Oral Practice (practice of key vocabulary and language objectives)
Reading/Writing (modeled, shared, collaborative, guided and independent)
The focus and motivation component of the GLAD instructional model consists of strategies designed to build background knowledge, motivate students, activate prior knowledge, and enhance academic language. The input component consists of various comprehensible input strategies that enable teachers to provide core content instruction to students at all proficiency levels in a comprehensible and understandable way. The guided oral practice component provides multiple comprehensible output strategies designed to promote the development of academic language. The reading and writing component highlights effective reading and writing strategies that can be taught whole group through teacher modeling, small group cooperative team opportunities, small group teacher-led instruction, and independent activities.
After the two day training, the GLAD training consists of an additional five days of classroom demonstration lessons. Participants are able to observe one of the GLAD presenters teaching a GLAD unit to a group of students, while another GLAD presenter coaches participants in the back of the classroom. Teachers watch the classroom demonstration each morning, and the afternoon sessions are dedicated to debriefing, reflection, and planning.
GLAD is a powerful and academically challenging instructional model that promotes high levels of proficiency in English. I hope to share the strategies of the GLAD approach and would love to work with you or model GLAD strategies for you.
Email or call me if you have questions about GLAD or would like to start using the GLAD strategies in your classroom!
Below I've linked my notes on each of the GLAD Strategies for you! I've also included some videos of teachers using the GLAD strategies.