How do you DI? Introduction to Differentiated Instruction for Teachers By: William Staros March 1, 2010

Agenda and Objectives Introduction to Differentiated Instruction-10 min Steps to implementation-10 min Questions, Comments and Concerns-5 min What is Differentiated Instruction? How does it help? How do I DI my assessments? What is the impact of DI?

What is Differentiated Instruction? Differentiated Instruction is a concept that makes it possible to maximize learning for ALL students. It is a collection of instructionally intelligent strategies based on student-centered best practices that make it possible for teachers to create different pathways that respond to the needs of diverse learners.

How does Differentiated Instruction work? A DI classroom includes many of these items each day. Assessment Learning Profile Tiered Activities Curriculum Compacting Learning Contracts Independent Study Flexible Grouping Anchor Activities Learning Centers/Stations Problem-Based Learning Project-Based Learning

How Do I Assess in a Differentiated Classroom? ASSESSMENT is NOT a synonym for TESTING.

THE GATHERING OF INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF GUIDING INSTRUCTION. Assessment Cont. ASSESSMENT IS… THE GATHERING OF INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF GUIDING INSTRUCTION.

Grading in a Differentiated Classroom… Practices to Avoid When Grading Within a Differentiated Classroom Docking late work Giving reduced credit for corrected or retaken assignments and tests Giving extra credit for tasks unrelated to original learning goals Entering zeros for missed work

What does a differentiated Classroom look like? Remember…“More Complex” does not mean more work and “Fair” is not always equal. To manage a DI classroom teachers must consider the following: Establishing Student Expectations-Routines, Procedures, Signals Flexible Grouping-How, When, Where Classroom organization/Arrangement-Where does everything go?

How will DI impact my students? Students will feel like they are important This is truly Student-centered Each student will have something they are good at The learning will be more life long and focused Goals will not be grades but understanding

Questions, Comments and Concerns? If you think of any after this presentation, my e-mail address is…….. wstaros@sixmilecharter.org THANK YOU!!!