1. Central Greene School District: Differentiating for Classrooms of the 21 st Century Keystone Educational Consulting Group March 7, 2011 www.keystoneeducational.com “ To provide a comprehensive education for all students to become successful critical thinkers as they enter a global society."

2. Dr. Robert Snyder Dr. Richael Barger-Anderson Mrs. Meg Van Fossen Dr. Michelle Miller Mr. Brian Danielson Ms. Jessica Nichols Ms. Laura Kepple Mrs. Lenna Calairi Dr. Joseph Merhaut Dr. Robert Isherwood Slippery Rock University www.sru.eduwww.sru.edu Keystone Educational Consulting Group www.keystoneeducational.com www.keystoneeducational.com Introductions:

3. Important Reminders! We are not the enemy! We are here to help you. We respect you! We appreciate you! We value you and what you do! We can work together to make a better system! We want you to walk away today with at least one thing you can use in your classroom tomorrow!

4. A few quick brainteaser to get things started!

5. Try another….

6. Are We Having Fun?

7. One More….

8. Why brainteasers? First 5-7 minutes of class can be a time when we either get their attention or lose them! Brainteasers get them thinking critically as they walk in the door. Make them fun not necessarily subject specific! Attach a contingency to it. Can be a great time if you have a co-teacher to pre-teach a concept or remediate a skill. www.thinks.com

9. Why are we really here? Provide a comprehensive workshop on many of the critical aspects of a 21 st century classroom including information on: Technology Differentiated Instruction Multiple Intelligence Bloom’s Taxonomy Co-teaching School law and compliance issues

10. External Pressure that is forcing us to examine our practices and work to improve Public School Systems in PA Inclusion and diversity Digital Natives Accountability through testing School choice movement Budget and Financial Crisis

11. What’s wrong with the way most of us were taught in school? A typical inclusion class that we observe at the MS level or HS level will have between 30% to 70% of students with IEPs and many others are non-responsive learners.

12. Do you ever feel like Jerry?

13. The 21 st Century Classroom Co-teachingDifferentiatedTechnology Multiple Intelligence Rigorous and Relevant SAS New service delivery model for the majority of special ed students with high incidence disabilities A strategy for teaching all learners in one classroom regardless of student profile Address the learning style of the digital native and prepare them for work The theory of neuro-diversity supports theories and strategies like multiple intelligence…none of us are neurologically the same Research supports relevancy as a way to increase student engagement and rigor can be achieved through frameworks for thinking like Bloom’s Taxonomy A system that considers instruction, assessment, materials, curriculum, and interventions for all children to ensure fidelity of practice

14. Some brain food for thought!

15. Research from Baylor University School of Medicine supports the notion that the experiences students have and the way information is presented will in fact change the neural pathways in the brain…a process known as neuroplasticity. Differentiated instruction supports the concept known as neuro-science based education. Supporting Research:

16. Brain is “hardwired” and can’t be changed Critical vs. Sensitive Period (Birth to 2) We lose brain cells as we age and can’t recoup them Theory of right and left brain Dispelling the Myths (Static Brain Theory ) From “Teaching With the Brain in Mind” by Eric Jensen

17. Brain friendly classrooms: 1.Are multi-modal 2.Are student centered 3.Are safe, respectful learning communities 4.Meet all learner needs by considering level of understanding, learning styles, preferences 5.Utilize technology 6.Emphasize collaboration and cooperation Is your classroom a “brain friendly place”?

18. If we are going to create brain friendly classrooms and differentiate instruction for our students we need to consider their learning styles and their strengths.

19. Teacher Differentiates based on Student ReadinessStudent InterestLearning Profile Teacher Differentiates via ContentProcessProduct Differentiated Instruction Respectful TasksFlexible GroupsOngoing Assessment How do we differentiate instruction and create opportunities for neuro-science based education?

20. Consider this classroom configuration…much more brain friendly! The possibilities for differentiation are endless. Possibilities: Modality of learning Gardner’s MI Bloom’s Taxonomy Technology Grouping practices Collaboration Integration of subjects Formative assessment Problem solving Student centered Tiering Engagement Off-task behavior

21. Multiple Intelligence…part of a differentiated classroom!

22. Finally, what happens if we stick with business as usual?