The gradual release of responsibility model requires an instructional shift from the teacher shift from assuming “all the responsibility for performing a task…to a situation in which the students assume all of the responsibility” (Duke & Pearson, 2002, p. 211).” While the gradual release of responsibility is most often linked to effective classroom instruction, the images below demonstrate how far ranging its applications are.

                To begin, lots of support . . . regardless of the age

With less support, confidence grows . . . regardless of the age

Until independence . . .

and new directions are explored . . . regardless of the age!