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Scaffolded Small Group Instruction

Targeting instruction to small groups of students throughout the week

Context

Valor’s approach to math instruction intentionally creates more time for students in small groups. A common challenge for teachers is trying to backfill student knowledge gaps while also providing students with grade-level content. Valor teachers use small group instruction to help minimize this challenge. Small groups also allow teachers to scaffold grade-level content by providing remediation, on-target, and advanced instruction based on student needs. Students generally receive small group instruction one to three times per week during their math review class.

Student Does

  • Completes exit ticket, creating data that helps determine their small group.
  • Participates in small group instruction throughout the week.
  • Works on independent assignments when not participating in small group instruction (e.g., playlists).

Teacher Does

  • Reviews student data.
  • Determines topics, skill levels, and groupings based on student data.
  • Closely observes student work during small group learning by rotating around the room.
  • Provides individualized support to students in small groups, based on need.

Technology Does

  • Generates and houses student data.
  • Provides instructional opportunities for students not working in small groups.

Strategy Resources


Class Example: Small Group Instruction at Valor Collegiate Academies

Explore an extended in-class example of small group instruction at Valor Collegiate Academies. Learn More

Sample Exit Ticket at Valor Collegiate Academies

Valor uses short, formative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction. Learn More

Dynamically re-group based on formative assessment

This strategy, created by Unlocking Time, captures how schools utilize formative assessment data to re-group... Learn More

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