Destination: Differentiation (D2) Susan Wouters Extended Learning Program

Journey The bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you refuse to take the turn.

Consider the 3 questions guiding professional development What are students learning? Content How do you know they are learning? Formative Assessment What are we doing for those who struggle, those who excel, and those in the middle? Differentiation

Ways Individuals Differ Prior knowledge or Skill Expertise Learning Rate Cognitive Ability Learning Style Preference Motivation, Attitude, and Effort Interest, Strength, or Talent The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, 2002

“There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal people.” Thomas Jefferson

What is differentiation?

Differentiation is … “…shaking up what goes on in the classroom so it’s a better fit for everyone. It is not a pedagogical ‘bag of tricks.’ It is a way of thinking about teaching and learning.” Carol Tomlinson

Differentiation is … Differentiated instruction specifically responds to students’ progress on the learning continuum - what they already know and what they need to learn. Diane Heacox

Differentiation means starting where the kids are! - Carol Ann Tomlinson

What is Differentiated Instruction? Differentiated instruction is: Proactive Qualitative Rooted in assessment Multiple approaches to content, process, and product Student centered Blend of whole class, group, and individual instruction “Organic” - instruction is dynamic

What Differentiated Instruction is NOT individualized instruction chaotic another way of homogeneous grouping “tailoring the same suit of clothes” every subject, every student, every day!

Forward progress from the point of entry. Learning: Forward progress from the point of entry.

What keeps us going as learners? Success Effort Effort Success Success Effort

ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT TASK COMPLEXITY CONTINUUM Totally independent functioning Student succeeds with adult support Task complexity prevents success ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT Where learning occurs. Students should be here 80% of the time.

The Levels of Curriculum Intense 5% Strategic 15% Core 80%

“Not every child has an equal talent or an equal ability or equal motivation; but children have the equal right to develop their talent, their ability, and their motivation.” John F. Kennedy

The Levels of Curriculum “Intense” LEARNER DIFFERENTIATED 5% “Strategic” TEACHER DIFFERENTIATED 15% “Core” PRESCRIBED CURRICULUM 80%

Differentiation begins with you thinking & planning differently. Consider modifying: Learning Environment Content Process Product

Learning Environment Encouraged independence Student Centered Classroom conditions that set the tone and expectations of learning. Encouraged independence Student Centered Open and flexible Accepting Complex Highly mobile

Content Modifications (What is taught.) Allow different activities not more of the same level already mastered. Complexity Variety Study of real people Study methods of inquiry Abstract Connections to real life

Process Modifications (Instruction) The activities through which students make sense of key ideas using essential skills. Creative thinking Higher level thinking Discovery Open-ended Group interaction Variable Pacing Variety of learning processes Debriefing Freedom of choice Teamwork

Product Modifications (Assessment) How students demonstrate and extend what they understand and can do as a result of a span of learning. Real problems and situations Real audiences Real deadlines Transform existing information Appropriate evaluations

When thinking differently about learners, consider … Readiness Information, concepts, and skills students demonstrate at entry point of learning experience Interests Topics, problems, and processes of personal relevance to students (passion learning) Learning Profile Combination of students’ emotions, cultures, modality preferences, and intelligences that affect learning

WAYS TEACHERS CAN DIFFERENTIATE Process Product Content according to a student’s Readiness Interests Learning Profile

Differentiated Instruction is … Rigorous - Provide challenging instruction to motivate students to push themselves. The bar is set to balance effort and success. Relevant - Focus on essential learning. Not more of the same but challenging problems. Flexible and varied - Not “one size fits all” but designed to best meet the learners’ needs. Complex - Challenge students’ thinking and actively engage students in content that conveys depth and breadth.

Differentiation provides rigor, relevance, flexibility and complexity. Curriculum Compacting Tiered Activities / Assignments Learning Contracts Interest Centers or Interest Groups Group Investigations Independent Study Choice Boards Flexible Skill Grouping Adjusting Questions / High-Level Questions Mentorships

Indicators of Differentiation Consistent use of pretesting Decrease in the frequency of large group activities Increase in Small group teaching activities Flexible small group learning activities Increase in individual alternatives: Centers Homework Contracts The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, 2002

Incorporating Differentiation Within the Curriculum Introduction Initial Teaching Determine Pretest Format Pre-testing Analyze results Planning Grouping Differentiated teaching and learning The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, 2002

To Differentiate a Lesson Consider Adjusting These Curriculum: Objective (vary the depth or breadth). Introduction (use community resources, graphic organizers, or pretesting: demonstrate relevance; add intriguing twist). Grouping ( involve individuals, pairs, small groups, choose homogeneous or heterogeneous groups). Instruction (vary the teaching methods; use inductive, deductive, or hands-on strategies; alter the pace). Learning Activities (choose from concrete to abstract, visual to tactile). Resources (vary in depth, complexity, format, or nature). Products (assign or create options, alternatives, or open-ended formats). The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, 2002

Learning is like rowing upstream, not to advance is to drop back. ~ Chinese Proverb

Differentiation and Levels of Curriculum LEARNER DIFFERENTIATED By the learner - explorations, investigations 5% “Intense” 15% 80% TEACHER DIFFERENTIATED Content, Process, Product “Strategic” PRESCRIBED CURRICULUM State / Local Standards “Core”

How do I begin? There is no one “right way” to create an effectively differentiated classroom: teachers craft responsive learning places in ways that are a good match for their teaching styles as well as for learners’ needs. Carol Ann Tomlinson

There are many ways to go forward - but only one way of standing still. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Resources Burns, D., Gubbins, E. J., Reis, S., Westberg, K. L., Dinnocenti, S. T. & Tieso, C.L. (2002). Applying gifted education pedagogy in the general education classroom: Professional development module. National research center on the gifted and talented, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. Eidson, C., Iseminger, B., & Taibbi, C (2007). Demystifying differentiation in middle school. Pieces of Learning. Heacox, D.(2007). Differentiating instruction in the regular classroom. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit. Kaufeldt, M. (2005). Teachers, change your bait! Brain compatible differentiated instruction. Bethel, PA: Crown House.

Resources, Cont’d. Kingore, B. (2007). Reaching all learners: Making differentiation work. Austin, TX: Professional Associates. Kingore, B. (2004). Differentiation: Simplified, realistic, and effective. How to challenge advanced potentials in mixed ability classrooms. Austin, TX: Professional Associates. Tomlinson, C.A. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed- ability classrooms.Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Tomlinson, C.A. (1999). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.