Differentiated Instruction

Education news, analysis, and opinion about techniques and adaptations to instruct students with diverse learning needs in the same classroom

Explainer

In this 2014 photo, 6th graders Willyum Oliver and Michael James (from left) discuss a math performance task during class at Whittemore Park Middle School in Conway, S.C.. The software students are using helps teachers at Whittemore Park differentiate instruction.
Differentiated Instruction: A Primer
Definitions vary for differentiated instruction, a popular approach for teaching children with a range of academic strengths and interests.
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Teaching Opinion Tips for Making Differentiated Instruction Manageable
"Planning backward" and other tips for the successful implementation of this teaching technique.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 5, 2024
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7 min read
Diverse group of students sitting on chairs looking away at an abstract background.
iStock/Getty Images + Education Week
Equity & Diversity Opinion We Can End Academic Tracking Fast—Or We Can Do It Right
Eliminating ability grouping can give students better opportunities, but teachers must be ready to get students to grade-level standards.
Miriam Plotinsky, June 14, 2024
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5 min read
Mon., May 20, 2024, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
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Jacqueline Chaney ask her 2nd graders a question during class at New Town Elementary School in Owings Mills, Md., on Oct. 25, 2023.
Jacqueline Chaney ask her 2nd graders a question during class at New Town Elementary School in Owings Mills, Md., on Oct. 25, 2023.
Jaclyn Borowski/Education Week
Teaching Profession The State of Teaching The 'Difficult, Beautiful' Work of Teaching
From sunup to sundown, America's teachers grapple with countless decisions, interruptions, joys, and frustrations.
Madeline Will, Elizabeth Heubeck, Ileana Najarro, Arianna Prothero & Sarah Schwartz, March 6, 2024
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26 min read
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Teaching Opinion Differentiated Instruction Isn't Easy. But It's Not Impossible
The teaching method takes time and patience, and it needs to be tailored to fit the needs of each student.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 9, 2024
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13 min read
Teaching Spotlight Spotlight on Differentiated Learning
This Spotlight will empower you with tech advice for accelerated learning, five ways to differentiate instruction online, and more.
January 5, 2024
Elementary age boy using computer.
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Artificial Intelligence Q&A This School Leader Believes AI Could Transform Education for Students With Dyslexia
AI could revolutionize how people with dyslexia navigate K-12 schools, said a school leader who works with children with the condition.
Alyson Klein, November 22, 2023
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3 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Does Successful Differentiated Instruction Look Like in the Classroom?
Many teachers struggle to adapt lessons, believing they lack resources, planning time, and classroom-management support. They don't need to.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 16, 2023
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16 min read
Photo of a smiling male teacher giving a high-five to his smiling elementary school student who is seated at a classroom desk in a row with other students.
E+
Special Education Educators Share Advice on Supporting Students With Learning Differences
Students with learning differences benefit from flexibility, inclusivity, and clear communication, educators said.
Hayley Hardison & Evie Blad, September 26, 2023
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3 min read
Two elementary age school children leaning in to read a book. Young blonde Caucasian girl is wearing a pink top and young Asian brunette girl is wearing a blue button-up blouse.
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Reading & Literacy Download An Evidence-Based Approach to Classroom Reading Groups (Download)
Leveled reading groups aren't the most effective way to support student needs—but that doesn't mean avoiding grouping altogether.
Sarah Schwartz & Laura Baker, August 24, 2023
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1 min read
Point Roberts Elementary School teacher Jessie Hettinga works with a group of first, second and third graders on reading at the school in Point Roberts, Wa., on Sept. 28, 2017.
Point Roberts Elementary School teacher Jessie Hettinga works with a group of first, second, and third graders on reading at the school in Point Roberts, Wash., on Sept. 28, 2017.
Philip A. Dwyer/The Bellingham Herald via AP
Reading & Literacy Classroom Reading Groups: What Works and What Doesn't
Studies show that leveled reading groups don't support struggling students. So what should grouping look like in the reading classroom?
Sarah Schwartz, August 15, 2023
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10 min read
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Adam Niklewicz for Education Week
Teaching What the Research Says Learning Acceleration: A Resource Guide
See more than two dozen resources on accelerating students' learning from Education Week's new mini-course on that topic.
Sarah D. Sparks, May 2, 2023
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2 min read
Teaching Spotlight Spotlight on Differentiated Learning
This Spotlight will help you evaluate differentiated instruction methods, create equitable gifted and talented programs, and more.
May 1, 2023
BRIC ARCHIVE
Teaching Opinion Differentiated Instruction Doesn't Need to Be a Heavy Lift
Sometimes adapting instruction is just about making decisions in the moment to reach all students, regardless of their gifts or challenges.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 22, 2022
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3 min read
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