When your backline of students has mastered the 8 steps within a phonics unit, but the rest of the class hasn’t, can you release them for independent practice?

Once a teacher has identified or assessed that a child is ready for independent practice of the content or skill, then yes they should release students. This is called the gradual release of responsibility model of instruction. Teach and release! Release students to independent practice based on that lesson's Learning Intention and/or the skill you want to target. Release to an activity that has been pre...