Complex Instruction: A Model for Reaching Up—and Out

Complex Instruction is a multifaceted instructional model designed to provide highly challenging learning opportunities for students in heterogeneous classrooms. The model provides a rationale for and philosophy of creating equity of access to excellent curriculum and instruction for a broad range of learners, guidance for preparing students for successful groupwork, direction for the teacher’s role, and principles and practices for “groupworthy tasks”—assignments worthy of student investment and designed to draw on a broad range of abilities for successful task completion. This article focuses on the nature and importance of “groupworthy tasks.