Differentiated Instruction

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

“Unfortunately, our images of school are almost factory images, so school is very standardized. But kids don't come in standard issue. The challenge is having teachers question the standardized notion of school and then helping kids realize there's a better way to do school." - Carol Ann Tomlinson

What is Differentiated Instruction? Differentiated Instruction is an instructional concept that maximizes learning for ALL students – regardless of skill level or background. In a typical classroom, students vary in their academic abilities, learning styles, personalities, interests, background knowledge, experiences, and levels of motivation for learning. When a teacher differentiates instruction, he or she uses the best teaching practices and strategies to create different pathways that respond to the needs of diverse learners.
Why Use Differentiated Instruction? Enables teachers to provide learning opportunities for all students by offering varied learning experiences. Helps teachers to understand and use assessment as a critical tool to drive instruction. •Encourages teachers to plan proactively for student-centered learning
Types of Differentiated Instructional Strategies
Tiered Assignments Teachers use varied levels of tasks to ensure that students explore ideas and use skills at a level that builds on what they already know and encourages growth. While students work at varied degrees of difficulty on their tasks, they all explore the same essential ideas and work at different levels of thought. Groups eventually come together to share and learn from each other.	RAFT Role, Audience, Format, Topic RAFT is a strategy that integrates reading and writing in a non-traditional way. It asks that students take what they have read and create a new product that illustrates their depth of understanding; it may be used with fiction or nonfiction texts. The format is incredibly flexible and offers limitless opportunities for creativity for both you and your students.	Flexible Grouping Teachers consider the needs of both individuals and the group. Teachers choose a grouping strategy which is appropriate to the lesson and facilitates optimum learning. Teachers organize children into various grouping patterns( whole class, large groups, small groups, triads, pairs, and/or children working individually.) Flexible grouping allows the teacher to instruct students on the basis of learning needs and allows the students to experience the value of collaboration.	Learning Centers Learning centers are self-contained sections of the classroom in which students engage in independent and self-directed learning activities. Working with children in a small group setting allows for more direct teaching and enhanced student response. Centers provide a less intimidating environment for the students and give the teacher the opportunity to focus on specific