Factors in Tiering Degree of assistance and support Degree of structure Required background knowledge and skills Concrete or more abstract Quantity of resources Complexity of process Complexity of product Teacher directs instruction Clearly defined parameters Minimal, basic information Process and product are concrete Single resource is provided Repetition and guided practice are paced at rate typical for grade level Simple, correct answers Teacher facilitates Open-ended criteria and parameters Grade-level information Process and product involve abstract thinking and interpretation Multiple and varied resources are employed Minimum repetition and practice allow acceleration Varied and complex responses Small group support More extensive information and understanding is required Process is simple and short-term Integration of advanced skills and concepts are required Individual autonomy Multiple steps and extended period of time Simple to high-levels of thinking Sophisticated research skills are required