1. Things may appear very different in here because every one of my students are different. If you take a look at a “standard classroom” every student works on the same assignment and at the same pace. In here, we do things differently. Some students are challenged too much, and some not at all. In my classroom, students are challenged based on their current proficiency level, their OWN proficiency level. Each student will be given assignments that are slightly above their current readiness level. Let’s take a peak at differentiation.

2.  Differentiation is an organic classroom management practice that acknowledges student differences and uses those differences to help students learn at their own pace. ◦ It provides multiple options for learning information, making sense of ideas and presenting understanding. ◦ It is proactive teaching: students have different learning needs and with this sort of structure, the teacher plans multiple ways for learning information.

3. In a differentiated classroom, I monitor a student’s individual progress, interests, preferred learning styles and plan lessons and learning opportunities with those levels in mind. This process is ever-changing! A student does not get lumped into a certain group and remain their all school year long. Groups are constantly changing based on my goals for the individual learner. Please know that input from students and parents is always welcome! **One of my personal goals is to help each student become a more independent learner!**

4.  Learning stations ◦ I utilize learning stations as often as possible because it’s a simple way to organize students and work with various groups during the same time block.  Students working on the same assignment in different ways. ◦ Some students may read about material, some may watch a video, some may listen to material on a tape. All of these teaching tools are useful ways to present information to students and help each student succeed.  Students presenting information differently ◦ Just like all students learn differently, some students report findings better in various ways.  Does this mean that students will use the same learning and presentation techniques all the time? ◦ ABSOLUTELY NOT! It is my goal to assess student comfort-ability levels and stretch them. I will, however, provide options for presentation

5. Observations- I would love to have you come to school and observe how we operate. Give me input- You and I both want the same thing for your child. We want them to succeed. You see your child in a different type of environment where they express their feelings and interests more openly. If you believe they are struggling too much, or that their work is too easy I would love to hear about it so that their specific learning track can be adjusted.

6.  My student has never struggled in school, now all of a sudden they aren’t receiving A’s. Why are you giving them such hard work? ◦ Learning doesn’t happen when there is no challenge. A student needs to struggle a little bit in order for an educational advance to happen. I promise you that I will not choose assignments that are way out of your student’s league, rather just outside their level in order to challenge them.  I promise you that I am aware of their struggle, and I will help them through it!  Why is my student’s work harder than that of her classmates? ◦ The assignments I give are, “relative to her skills and understanding, the work is no harder for her than the work of any other child relative to that child’s skills and understanding,” (Tomlinson, 43).  My student doesn’t seem to be challenged at all, should I give them extra work at home? ◦ That is something that I’d love to approach with you when the time comes. Sometimes, an assignment that I give will be easier but it is because I am going to lead them into some more broad concept that will require deeper thinking. ◦ If you see a trending pattern, or don’t think your student is being challenged enough I would love an opportunity to meet with you and discuss a different path or alternate assignments.  What we don’t want to have happen is your student get overwhelmed by having too much work to do. Your child is at school for 8 hours a day and will most likely have a little homework to do each night. What I would really hope is that when your child gets home they are allowed to be creative, play and get together with friends to relax. This sort of balance is extremely important for the wellbeing of every student.

7.  I will send home weekly newsletters that will let you know what we are working on in school.  These newsletters will include information on: homework, field trips, upcoming projects, struggles and successes.  I will also email or call you if I feel that immediate contact is necessary.  I want to build a successful partnership with you in order to do everything I can to guarantee the success of your student.  I believe in your child and I believe that through a differentiated classroom each student will have major breakthroughs and extreme success this year. If you have any question or comment or would like to discuss differentiation further, please send me an email or call my cell phone. We both want your child to succeed and develop a lifelong love of learning! If you would like to meet with me and a translator that can be arranged easily. Si quieres quedar conmigo y con un traductor que puede arreglarse fácilmente.