Charting a New Course in the Classroom- Differentiated Instruction By: William Staros March 1, 2010

Agenda and Objectives Differentiated Instruction Overview- 5 min. A look into a DI classroom- 10 min. Video Clip of DI in action-10 min Questions and Comments-5 min. What is Differentiated Instruction? How will this help my child? What will my child see in class? Why?

Differentiated Instruction Overview Assessment is NOT testing Students will have learning activities that are guided by their personal interests Classrooms are flexible and safe, but controlled and focused This will not be One Size Fits All instruction. Teachers act as guides more than directors

What will this look like? A DI classroom includes many of these items each day. Assessment-driven by learning styles Learning Profile-personal to each child Tiered Activities-levels for those that need it Curriculum Compacting-spending less time on some and more on others Learning Contracts-student guided education Independent Study-projects, inventions, continuous Flexible Grouping-letting kids explore and meet new people Anchor Activities-What they do when they are DONE EARLY Learning Centers/Stations-Activities that reach each kid Problem-Based Learning-Pick a problem, research and solve Project-Based Learning-projects that determine understanding rather than testing

How will this help my child? Personalized education Driven by their needs and interests LIFE LONG skills and understanding Goals will not be grades but understanding Students will have new and exciting activities involving music, movement, nature and other methods

What will my child see in class? Students will be given interest surveys to determine learning styles Students will be given choices Students will be taught with guiding not demanding words Students will monitor and evaluate their own work and feelings The classroom will change often but procedures will stay in place Students will feel safe and open to discuss their learning.

Take a look at DI in Action! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gh196iaQfA This clip shows how Differentiated Instruction works in a 1st grade classroom