differentiation presentation by the access center
TRANSCRIPT
Enhancing Your Instructional Skills Through Differentiation
Melissa Storm
The Access Center
Session Overview
• Introduction
• Differentiation Strategies
• Practice
• Practical Issues
• Collaboration
• Next Steps
Why Differentiate?
• All kids are different.
• One size does not fit all.
• Differentiation provides all students with access to all curriculum.
What is Differentiation?
• A teacher’s response to learner needs
• The recognition of students’ varying background knowledge and preferences
• Instruction that appeals to students’ differences
Content Process Product
According to Students’
Readiness InterestLearningProfile
Teachers Can Differentiate
Adapted from The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners (Tomlinson, 1999)
Comparing Traditional and Differentiated Classrooms
• Addressing student differences
• Use of assessment
• Use of student interest and learning style
Comparing Traditional and Differentiated Classrooms
• Instructional format
• Assignment options
• Factors guiding instruction
Discussion Question
What are you already doing to differentiate instruction in your classroom?
Differentiation Strategies
• All strategies are aligned with instructional goals and objectives
• Specific strategies are selected based on – Focus of instruction– Focus of differentiation
Example of a Differentiated Classroom
Judy Rex’s Classroom in Scottsdale, AZ
3rd-4th grade multi-age class
Children from 2nd grade reading level through high school
Some Differentiation Strategies
• Choice Boards
• Tiered Activities
• Learning Contracts
Differentiation Strategies
1. Develop a two-sentence summary of your strategy.
2. Provide an example of how the strategy could be used in your classroom.
Reading/Language Arts – Compacting
Math – Independent Study
Science – Interest Centers or Interest Groups
Social Studies/History – Flexible Grouping
Case Studies
• What aspects of differentiation do you see?
• Which techniques could you use in your classroom? How?
• What questions or concerns came up?
Differentiation Practice
Assessment in the Differentiated Classroom
• Ongoing
• Instruction-dependent
• Student-dependent
• Informs continued instruction
Where do I Go From Here?Some Tips for Implementing
Differentiation in your Classroom
• Start slowly• Organize your classroom space
Teacher Station 1
Teacher Station
2
Group
AssignmentsSchedule
Inboxes
Bookshelf
Where do I Go From Here?Some Tips for Implementing
Differentiation in your Classroom
• Start student files• Start student portfolios• Use a clipboard• Use of technology• Start class with familiar tasks• Use task cards, a tape recorder, or an
overhead for directions• Have systems for student questions
Implementing Differentiated Instruction in your District or School
• Start with Committed Staff
• Look for Existing Resources/Infrastructure
• Start with One or Two Strategies
• Try it and Be Willing to Alter and Extend
Implementing Differentiated Instruction: Additional Considerations
• Administrative Support to Teachers
• Professional Development
• Adequate Planning Time
Collaborating Effectively
General Education and Special Education
• Interpersonal Communication
• Physical Arrangement
• Curriculum
• Classroom Management
Collaborating Effectively
Teachers and Instructional Assistants
• Communicate
• Schedules
• Share classroom experiences
• Share responsibility for students
Investing Students
• Student “buy-in”
• Provide choice
• Allow students to assess their own mastery
• Adjust physical environment
• Increase student responsibility
Where do I Go From Here?• Support networks
– Online discussion forum
http://www.k8accesscenter.org What’s New > Effective Classroom Strategies
Discussion
• Collaboration
Resources
• Assessment– Curriculum Based Measurement www.studentprogress.org
• National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum (NCAC)
www.cast.org/ncac/
• The Access Center www.k8accesscenter.org