Scaffolding and Gradual Release

Should scaffolding be an integral part of your new literature program?
If so, the choice is obvious. Of all the school literature programs available, EMC’s Mirrors & Windows offers the only organized, consistent approach to scaffolding.

Scaffolding, as defined by the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, is “an instructional technique whereby the teacher models the desired learning strategy or task, then gradually shifts responsibility to the students.” In other words, it’s not scaffolding if the support, the same support, is always there…. as it is in all of the literature programs except EMC’s Mirrors & Windows.

Each unit in the Mirrors & Windows program provides for a gradual release of responsibility, moving from
Guided reading—extensive support before, during, and after reading
to
Directed reading—extensive support before and after reading; less support during reading
to
Independent reading—self‐monitoring during reading; minimal support before and after reading

All other programs apply the Guided Reading approach throughout their series, never asking the students to take on any added responsibility for their learning, and never providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning. EMC’s Mirrors & Windows is the only literature program that truly prepares your students for future success.