Differentiation:

Differentiation:

A standard of excellence means that each child makes at least a year’s growth in achievement no matter what their starting point for the school year.  That includes children that are way below or way above their actual grade level.

Why Differentiate?

• To maximize student’s potential, we have to attend to individual differences.
• Research shows students are more successful in school if we respond to readiness levels, interests,  and learning profiles.
• All students should show progress no matter what their level or where they begin.

What is Differentiation?

• Modifying the pace and level of instruction
• Incorporating flexible grouping    
• Varying the products of learning to reflect students’ best ways to learn

What to Differentiate?

Differentiating Content

• Using reading materials at varying readability levels
• Putting text materials on tape
• Using spelling or vocabulary lists at the readiness levels of the student
• Presenting ideas through auditory and visual means
• Using reading buddies
• Small group re-teaching of skills for struggling learners
• Extending the thinking or skills of advanced learners

Differentiating Process

• Developing personal agendas or task lists that include work for whole class and work that addresses individual needs
• Manipulatives or other supports for those who need them (different grouping methods, graphic organizers, maps, diagrams, charts, etc.)
• Varying length of time to complete a task

Differentiating Product

• Giving students options of how to express required learning
• Using rubrics that match and extend student’s varied skill levels
• Allowing students to work alone, in pairs or in small groups on their products
• Encouraging students to create their own product assignment that meets all required elements

Differentiating Environment

• The way in which students experience the classroom learning environment profoundly shapes how they experience learning.
• In positive classroom environments, students work together and collaborate.
• They display the characteristics of an effective team.
• They learn responsibility for themselves, for one another, and for class processes and routines.