What is Independent Sustained Reading (ISR)?
ISR integrated in regular, daily classroom instruction differs significantly from other silent
reading practices, such as Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) and Drop Everything And Read
(DEAR). Unlike SSR and DEAR, which requires teachers to model silent reading for students for
an isolated block of time, ISR practices are integrated into regular, daily classroom instruction
and require teachers to model and explicitly teach students how to read with a purpose and/or
strategy, how to create meaning from texts, and how to talk about texts. Students apply what
the teacher models or teaches while reading on their own in class, participating in text-based
discussions, monitoring their own comprehension, and/or taking time to reflect on what was
read.
ISR in regular, daily classroom instruction provides students with a natural opportunity to read
assigned text(s) on their own. Teachers integrate ISR into their daily instruction by designing
lessons focused on Reading Standard 10 and centered around complex texts. Teachers design
lessons that provide students with direct instruction on how to read assigned class texts with a
specific purpose and master the focus standard. The teacher uses a section of the text, or a
similar text, to illustrate how to read the assigned text for students. Then, students are
provided with the opportunity to read the assigned text independently while the teacher
monitors their reading progress and provides further support and/or instruction, if needed.
Independent Sustained Reading (ISR) Educator Guide