Which term describes the strategy of providing support to a learner and gradually removing it as the learner becomes capable?

• A. Reteaching
• B. Repeated reading
• C. Running record
• D. Scaffolding

Answer: (D)

Scaffolding describes providing support to a learner at the start and then gradually removing that support as they become more capable. This approach begins with guidance such as modeling, prompts, and structured practice to help the student perform a task they can’t do alone yet. As competence grows, those supports are faded, and the student takes on more responsibility until they can complete the task independently. This aligns with helping learners work within their zone of proximal development, moving toward independent mastery. Reteaching involves additional instruction to address gaps, but it doesn’t emphasize gradually withdrawing help within a single task. Repeated reading focuses on building fluency through practice, not on the strategy of scaling back supports. A running record is an assessment method used to track progress, not a framework for providing and removing help.