NJHS+Differentiated+Curriculum+Study+Group

Welcome to our Norfolk Junior High School Differentiated Curriculum Study Group Wikki page! Please feel free to add comments on Chapter One that we will be discussing on the 15th, or questions that you have before we meet again. Have a great week! Leann

Thanks to all that have logged on and got started! :)

Just wanted to let you all know the agenda for our next study group on the 15th. 1. Sign in at 3:30pm 2. Review Ground Rules 3. Comment/Sharing Time 4. Wikki- how does it work? any problems? 5. Chapter One- What Differentiation is and is not a. comments b. thoughts to share from note page 6. Watch Video clip a. comparison matrix as watch video b. discuss <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">7. Assign Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 over break (they are short, don't worry!) <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">Adjourn at 4:15pm

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= ** Strategies for Managing a Differentiated Classroom **  = = = = ** Chapter 6 **  = = = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">*teacher’s fear that stops them from beginning = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">*best methods are most difficult = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">*not always easy = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">*makes school a better fit for more students = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">*makes teaching more satisfying and invigorating = = ** 17 Key Strategies **  = = = = ** 1. ****__ Have a strong rationale for differentiating instruction based on student readiness, interest, and learning profile. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Communication is a must! = = ** 2. ****__ Begin differentiating at a pace that is comfortable for you. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Set up guidelines. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Move in small increments. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c. Some students move quickly, others move more slowly = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">d. What matters most is that students make progress from their respective beginning points, not that they all work alike. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">e. Find easiest format for you. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">f. Biting off too much can discourage students. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">g. Don’t let it overtake your life. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">h. Select low prep strategies you are comfortable with, use consistently. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">i. Select one high-prep strategy to use per semester. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">j. Add each year, in 4 to 5 years will be comfortable with a differentiated classroom. = = ** 3. ****__ Time differentiated activities to support student success. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Time allotted for a task should be a bit shorter than the attention span of the students who work on that task. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Advanced learners often have extended attention spans. = = ** 4. ****__ Use an “anchor activity” to free you up to focus your attention on your students. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. “Ragged Time”- when students don’t finish at the same time = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. “Anchor Activities”- options for students after assigned work it completed. = = ** 5. ****__ Create and deliver instruments carefully. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Multiple directions can be confusing. = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Use task cards, assignment sheets, responsible students, tape-recorded directions = = ** 6. ****__ Assign students into groups or seating areas smoothly. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Lists by color or group = = ** 7. ****__ Have a “home base” for students. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Beginning, ending, home base established = = ** 8. ****__ Be sure students have a plan for getting help when you’re busy with another student or group. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Ask a peer = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Expert of the day = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c. Learning logs = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">d. Know when it is ok to ask teacher for help = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">e. Never ok for them to just sit and wait for help = = ** 9. ****__ Minimize noise __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Whisper or talk softly = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Signal when noise is getting too loud = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c. Ear-plugs or plastic headset for students that need quiet = = ** 10. ****__ Make a plan for students to turn in work. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Multiple tasks- plan to turn in work = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Use expert of the day, check, sign, put in box or file = = ** 11. ****__ Teach students to rearrange the furniture. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Have multiple floor plans = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Teach students how to move furniture = = ** 12. ****__ Minimize “stray” movement. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Try to minimize undue amount of idle roaming = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Use “expert of the day” = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c. Assign a “gopher” to pick up materials for group = = ** 13. ****__ Promote on-task behavior __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Value on-task behavior = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Clarify what is good on-task behavior = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c. Look for patterns in student behavior = = ** 14. ****__ Have a plan for “quick finishers” __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Characteristics of superior = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. “knock your socks off” quality = = ** 15. ****__ Make a plan for “calling a halt”. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Give students advanced warning = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Use deadlines = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c. Alternative homework assignments, extra time to complete work = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">d. Student plan to finish unfinished work = = ** 16. ****__ Give your students as much responsibility for their learning as possible. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. Pass out folders = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Critique one another’s work = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c. Move furniture = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">d. Keep records = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">e. Help design tasks = = ** 17. ****__ Engage your students in talking about classroom procedures and group processes. __** = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a. “metacognition”- think about your thinking, model thinking = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b. Ongoing conversations = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c. Use students eyes and ears to help class run smoothly =