Differentiation and Inclusion Michael A. Kopish, Ph.D. Plymouth State University

What is differentiation? On some level, differentiation is just a teacher acknowledging that kids learn in different ways, and responding by doing something about that through curriculum and instruction. A more dictionary-like definition is "adapting content, process, and product in response to student readiness, interest, and/or learning profile."

What is a heterogeneous classroom? Classrooms in which students have a wide range of previous academic achievement and varying levels of oral and written proficiency in the language of instruction.

What is inclusion? Inclusion is the preferred method of placement for students with special needs whenever possible. In IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA it is clear that students with disabilities must be educated in regular education settings to the maximum extent appropriate in light of their needs, and prohibit their exclusion unless education there cannot be achieved satisfactorily even with appropriate supplementary aids and services.

Principles to keep in mind when preparing lessons for inclusive classrooms What are the essential ideas and concepts of the lesson that students need to understand? How can I foster connections between essential ideas and students’ lives? Predict gaps in students’ background knowledge and provide appropriate scaffolding by building on their prior knowledge. Historical events Vocabulary Concepts Cultural differences

Principles to keep in mind when preparing lessons for inclusive classrooms What type of visual reinforcement will I need to provide in order to clarify concepts? How can I help develop academic language in the lesson? How can I meaningfully incorporate kinesthetic and interactive activities into the lesson?

Reflective Cycle

Goals to consider 1 – Multiple ways of representing FOR KNOWLEDGE AND CONTENT 1 – Multiple ways of representing FOR PROCESSES AND SKILLS 2 – Multiple ways of engaging FOR PRODUCTS AND ASSESSMENTS 3 – Multiple ways of expression

Some Ideas for how to differentiate Content Process Product Choice of books Multiple texts Organizing ideas through graphic organizers Tape-recorded materials Jigsaw activity Learning contracts Homework options Dialectical journals Varied graphic organizers Interest groups Grouping choice Mini-workshops Anchor activities Games Literature circles Tiered activities, assignments RAFT Jigsaw Exit cards Interest options Graduated rubrics Complex instruction Tic-tac-toe Tiered assessments Independent study Community mentorships Multiple intelligence options

Using bloom to differentiate

An ncss tool to organize curriculum