Our CAFE™ Book articulates how we develop strategy groups based on need, which is an alternative to traditional guided reading groups which are based on reading level.

This is not to say that we never work with children who are on the same level, because we do. However, reading level is not the criteria for grouping children together. So, whether they use a leveled book from the bookroom or their own self-selected text, students are grouped to practice skills and strategies they have a common need for.

The most important thing to remember is this shift to strategy groups didn't happen in one day, it progressed over time. For more information, read page 109-114 in The CAFE™ Book.