Just as teachers rely upon a gradual release of responsibility model to ensure effective instruction, many coaches begin moving toward similar models once they’ve established agreed-upon learning targets for their efforts with teachers. I was first introduced to this model through my study of Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey’s work and then again when I was exposed to Jeff Wilhelm’s kid-friendly version in one of my favorite texts, Reading is Seeing. As a coach, I…
Why do skilled facilitators of adult learning experiences encourage the use of structured protocols? In my experience, protocols enable participants to better understand the purpose of the work that they are engaging in. They also ensure equity, provoke deeper study of identified texts and practices, and provide a safer framework for rigorous and even uncomfortable dialogue. As a literacy coach, I’ve spent the last year researching, selecting, and modifying a variety of new protocols that…