Teachers at an urban elementary school developed and implemented a literacy instructional framework based on a gradual release of responsibility model. The framework included: (1) focus lessons; (2) guided instruction; (3) collaborative learning; and (4) independent learning. Over six years, literacy and math achievement at this school increased dramatically. The teachers at the school attribute the changes to the focused professional development they received that was based on a literacy framework they created. (Contains 5 tables.)