When a teacher tries to teach something to the entire class at the same time, "chances are, one-third of the kids already know it; one-third will get it; and the remaining third won't.  So two-thirds of the chidren are wasting their time."  --Scott Willis, ASCD

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What is Differentiated Instruction?

Adjusting the curriculum, teaching strategies, and classroom environment to better meet the needs of all students.  In a differentiated classroom:

• Student differences shape the curriculum
• Pre-assessment is typical and frequent
• Multiple options for students are offered
• There is variable pacing
• Varied grading criteria are used
• Individual efforts and growth is honored

from How to Differentiate Mixed-Ability Classrooms by Carol-Ann Tomlinson

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How do I differentiate?

Differentiate According to Student Readiness:  Readiness refers to a student's skill level and background knowledge.  When tasks are too difficult for students, they become frustrated and do not learn effectively.  When tasks are too easy for students, they become bored and do not learn--in spite of the fact that they are earning high grades.

Differentiate According to Student Interest:  Interest refers a student's attitude and engagement with a topic or unit of study.  

Differentiate According to Student Learning Profiles:  Learning Profile refers to the ways in which students will best process what they need to learn.  Components of a student's Learning Profile include his/her multiple intelligences, learning styles, and learning environments.

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What do I differentiate?

Differentiate Content:  The "what" of teaching.  The curricular topics, concepts, or themes presented to students.  Content is differentiated by concentrating on the most essential understandings, concepts, and skills then varying the complexity of learning.

• Highlighted Texts
• Varied Texts
• Varied Resource Materials
• Graphic Organizers
• Compacting
• Layered Curriculum

Differentiate Process:  The "how" of teaching.  The ways in which students make sense of the content.  Process is differentiated by adding greater complexity or abstractness to tasks, by engaging students in critical and creative thinking, and by increasing the variety of ways in which you ask them to learn.

• Homework Options
• Most Difficult First
• Think-Pair-Share
• Flexible Grouping
• Graphic Organizers
• Multiple-Entry Journal
• Cubing
• WebQuests
• Learning Centers

Differentiate Products:  The end results of learning.  Products are differentiated when you plan units that reflect many ways to represent learning and when you provide menus of projects for students to choose from.

• Choice Boards
• Cubing
• Think Dots
• Tic-Tac-Toe
• RAFTs
• Tiered Assignments

From Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom by Diana Heacox

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How can I learn more?

Free Online Differentiated Instruction Course

Differentiated Instruction PowerPoint