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

2. 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."

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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?

7. Reflective Cycle

9. 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

10. 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

11. Using bloom to differentiate

12. An ncss tool to organize curriculum