Acceleration means providing grade-level instruction with strategic scaffolds and just-in-time support. It means believing all kids can access rigorous content with the supports you can build. And it’s a decision entirely within your Circle of Control, says Dr. Sonya Murray.
Scaffolding strategies need to be used strategically, writes depth of knowledge expert Dr. Karin Hess. A strategy intended to support executive functioning or language development may not be effective for deepening content knowledge and thinking. See her tips and tools.
Teacher-consultant Terry Thompson, author of The Construction Zone, defines four elements of good instructional scaffolding and uses the example of teaching a kid to ride a bicycle to demonstrate why a clear focus on learning targets is a critical first step.
