“The gradual release of responsibility model of instruction suggests that the cognitive load should shift slowly and purposefully from teacher-as-model, to joint responsibility, to independent practice and application by the learner (Pearson & Gallagher, 1983). 

The gradual release of responsibility model is the intersection of several theories, including the following:
• Piaget’s (1952)work on cognitive structures and schema
• Vygotsky’s (1962, 1978)work on zones of proximal development
• Bandura’s (1965) work on attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation
• Wood, Bruner, and Ross’s (1976) work on scaffolded instruction

Taken together, these theories suggest that learning occurs through interactions with others, and when these interactions are intentional, specific learning occurs.”
p.2 Better Learning Through Structured Teaching Fisher and Frey 2008.
 
Instruction…
• is scaffolded to include focus lessons, guided practice, collaborative work,

  and independent work.
• uses whole class, small group, and individual instruction purposefully to

  facilitate learning.
• uses culturally responsive research/evidence-based instructional practices

  and strategies.
• presents information in multiple ways.
• engages students in multiple ways.
• uses the results of formative assessments to plan interventions and/or

  additional challenges for students.