Differentiation+is...........

= DIFFERENTIATION IS ............................. =


 * = Content =

- Reading Buddies

 * = Process =

- Personal Agendas

 * = Inviting Environments =

- iPads/ iPods/ Cellphones

 * = Product =

- Styles/ Strengths

 * = Learning Invironment =

- Routines
=Differentiation IS & IS NOT ............... = Differentiation is not a set of strategies…………….Differentiation is an entire philosophy grounded in knowing students and responding to their needs.

Differentiation is not a work group…………………… Differentiation employs thoughtful, purposeful flexible grouping. Sometimes students work alone, sometimes in pairs, sometimes as a whole class and sometimes in small groups depending on the demonstrated student need.

Differentiation is not just the next educational fad……….Because differentiation is a philosophy of meeting a broad range of students’ needs, only when students cease being different will the need for differentiation disappear.

Providing choice = differentiation…………………….. Different activities have to be held together by clear learning goals.

Differentiation isn’t fair…………………………………….. Fair doesn’t always mean “the same.” In order for students to reach the same goals, they may need to take different paths to get there.

Differentiation means “dumbing-down” the curriculum for less advanced learners……………………………………………………………….Differentiation means providing appropriate scaffolding to help all learners reach common learning goals.

Differentiation only works when students are well-behaved………….Differentiation is creating a responsive classroom can be a great way to improve student behavior, as students’ needs are being met.

=QUALITIES OF A SUPPORTIVE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT FOR DIFFERENTIATION =

A supportive classroom environment is vital to your success in differentiating instruction. Such an environment: Thanks to "Differentiating Instruction in the regular Classroom" Diane Heacox, Ed.D.
 * Promotes accepttance of differences
 * Affirms that all students have learning strengths
 * Acknoledges that students learn at different rates and in different ways.
 * Recognizes that for work to be fair, it must sometimes be different
 * Acknowledges that success means different things to different people
 * Allows students to work with various people for various purposes
 * Recognizes that the key to motivation is interest, and that all students have different interest.
 * Promotes personal responsibility for learning.
 * Builds feelings of personal competence and confidence in learning.
 * Values effort and "personal best".
 * Nutures skills of independence.
 * Supports and celebrates student success in challenging work.
 * Encourages exploration of each student's interests, strengths, and learning preferences.
 * Nurtures the creative spirit in all students.
 * Honors everyone's work.