Meeting the Diverse Needs of All Learners: One Size Does Not Fit All

Agenda Differentiation Defined A Day in the Life Distinguishing Differences Closing Discussion

Differentiation Defined Differentiation is teaching with planned responsiveness to learner needs in order to ensure maximum growth of each learner in and beyond essential learning outcomes. -Carol Ann Tomlinson

Elements to Differentiate Content (what students learn) Process (how they learn it) Product (how they demonstrate what they have learned)

Differentiation is… proactive student- centered rigorous & meaningful at appropriate level of instruction a blend of whole-class, small group, and individual instruction

Comparison of Two Classroom Settings Classroom ElementHow it Looks in a Traditional Classroom How it Looks in a Differentiated Classroom Role of the TeacherLeader/Instructor Source of Information Facilitator/Guide/Motivator Gatherer of Information Role of the StudentPassive/Listener Quiet Active Participants Cooperative Planners The CurriculumOne level/textbook One learning style Workbook/worksheets Standards-based, multi-leveled units of instruction Addresses varied learning styles and multiple intelligences Various instructional materials such as authentic literature, math manipulatives, technology resources AssessmentTests & Quizzes Evaluates product (one right answer) Multiple assessments such as performance tasks, tests & quizzes, self-assessment, observations Evaluates both product and process (strategy used by student to arrive at answer)

A Day in the Life… Evesham Township Schools believe that meeting the needs of all students is critical to providing a thorough and efficient education. In order to provide for the many diverse talents of our students, our curriculum does the following: Provides exposure to critical thinking and problem-solving opportunities Imbeds multi-leveled tasks and projects within each subject area Refines and enriches individual development of higher order thinking processes

Distinguishing Differences Temperament Interests Life Experiences Culture Special Needs English Language Learners Gifted & Talented

Tier III Students who show high levels of ability, creativity, and task commitment Functioning at significantly higher rate than peers (minimum of 2 grade levels above) Identified students, initial summary report & action plan Student selected tasks, quarterly enrichment logs Annual Summary Report

Distinguishing Differences BrightGifted

Closing Meeting the Diverse Needs of All Learner: One Size Does Not Fit All