One Size Does Not Fit All: An Introduction to Differentiated Instruction Facilitated By Sara Fridley Region 3 Education Service Agency

Clock Buddies

What Differentiation IS NOT... The same as individualization Just another way to group kids Expecting less of struggling learners than of typical learners A substitute for specialized services Chaotic New

What Good Differentiation IS... Varied avenues to content, process, product Respectful of all learners Proactive Student-centered A blend of whole class, small group, and individual instruction Based on students’ readiness, interests, and/or learning profile

“Currently, students are required to adapt... to the prevalent teaching practices and instructional materials and assessment instruments. Those who can’t adapt are viewed as being deficient in their ability to learn.” - Marie Carbo, Educating Everybody’s Children

What diversity is in your classrooms?

Diversity in the Classroom ADD ADHD Gifted/Talented LD Vision Impaired Hearing Impaired Autistic Physically Disabled Multiple Handicapped English Language Learners

3 Key Ways to Differentiate Instruction Process Activities Calls on students to use key skills Content What we teach students Materials and methods used Product How students show what they have learned Should also allow students to extend what they learned

Key #1 – Adapt Process Students use key skills Bloom’s Taxonomy Multiple Intelligence Theories Common focus Vary student activities Teacher uses a variety of methods

Process Differentiation Examples Tiered Assignments Layered Curriculum (Nunley) Learning Centers Interactive Journals Jig Saw Assignments Learning Logs Graphic Organizers

Tiered Assignments Addresses multiple intelligences Sternberg Gardner Provides choice Use range of skills from Bloom’s Taxonomy All students choose tasks from all levels

Jig Saw Perfect for lengthy reading assignments Each person is responsible for a section Come together in group with each section represented Each person shares their information with the others

Graphic Organizers rganizers/ ues/students/learning/lr1grorg.htm

Head... Heart... Foot Put a quote or insight on the board. Have the students react using "head," "heart," and "foot" method. Head - a thought or idea that comes to mind. Heart - a feeling or emotion expressed or felt. Foot - An action the quote or insight would suggest we take. Use these to initiate class discussions, journal writing, assignment choices, etc.

Key #2 – Adapt Content Refers to both materials & methods Accommodate students’ different starting points Some students ready for more complex or abstract levels Some students ready for independent work

Content Differentiation Examples Multiple texts Interest centers Learning contracts Support systems Audiotapes Mentors Study partners

Key #3 – Adapt Product Culminating learning experience that occurs after many days or weeks of study Demonstration and extension of what they know, understand, and are able to do

Product Differentiation Examples Variety of assessment types Tiered Assignments Independent Study

Vocabulary Choices Student chooses method Define words Make flashcards Teacher assessment As each student hands in their homework, teacher quizzes them on 2 words If they know them – student receives homework points If not – then they get homework back to study from and try again later

Concept Cube

Variables to Consider Readiness – in reading, math, & beyond Complexity & Challenge of both process & product Pace of learning and production Grouping practices Use of assessment results to inform teaching and learning

Principles to Guide Differentiated Classrooms Focus on essentials Attend to student differences Assess often and use it to make adjustments/modifications Mutual respect Be flexible Doesn’t happen 100% of the time!!!!

Simple Ways to Start Add an interdisciplinary element to a favorite unit Collaborate with other teachers Offer students a variety of presentation options Apply Multiple Intelligence thinking to group/individual projects

Resources Click on Region 3, Resources, Teacher 2class/ Variety of online topics Assessment & Curriculum Redesign Constructivism Multiple Intelligences