1. Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom
“Strategies and Tools for Responsive Teaching”

2. What’s Behind the Idea of Differentiated Classrooms?
Approach to teaching that advocates active planning for student differences in classrooms.
Pace, scaffolds for learning difficulties, range in learning modes, motivation to learn)
Philosophy
Teachers must take into account “who” they are teaching as well as “what” they are teaching

3. Current Trends in DI Increase in English Language Learners
The achievement gap for miority students
Inclusion of special education students has grown 20 percent over the past decade
Gifted students’ loss in motivation and academic achievement
The “one size fits all” approach is not working

4. Differentiating Instruction: What and Why?
4 Student Traits
Readiness
Student’s knowledge, understanding and skill level
Interests
Topics or pursuits that evoke curiosity or passion in the learner
Learning Profile
Learning style, intelligence preference, culture, and gender
Affect
Emotions and feelings--how students feel about themselves, their work, and the classroom as a whole

5. Differentiating Instruction: What and Why?
4 Classroom Elements
Content (the what—essential information ideas, or skills)
Process (the how of learning the content—activities, homework, etc.)
Product (the outcome—assessments, demonstrations of knowledge, understanding and application)
Learning Environment (operation and tone of the learning environment)

6. Linking Student Traits & Classroom Elements
Teachers continually assess students’…
Readiness, interests, learning profile and affect
To modify…
Content, process, products, and learning environments
To…
Ensure maximum learning for each member of the class

7. Metaphors to Guide Thinking about Differentiation
Taming the Fox
Ideas…
A Clockwork of Three Cogs
Needs of the student (affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge)
Role of the teacher (invitation, opportunity, investment, persistence, and reflection)
Role of the curriculum and instruction (important, focused, engaging, demanding, and scaffolded)

8. Student Needs as the impetus for Differentiation