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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Education Opinion 'Stop Hiding Behind the Factory Model of Teaching': Rick Wormeli on Differentiation
Rick Wormeli responds to the question:"What is the best advice you can give to a teacher about differentiating instruction?"
Larry Ferlazzo, February 12, 2018
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5 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion What Is a 'Quality' Curriculum?
Using a range of materials, and, more important, creating hands-on experiences and interactions with big ideas within a discipline, helps students construct and apply knowledge.
Kate Stoltzfus, February 9, 2018
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4 min read
Education Opinion Differentiating Instruction for the 21st-Century Classroom
Two teachers share their strategies for maximizing learning for every student in their diverse school communities.
Matthew Lynch, November 1, 2017
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5 min read
Education Opinion Q&A Collections: Differentiating Instruction
Here are links to all the columns on Differentiating Instruction from the past six years!
Larry Ferlazzo, August 11, 2017
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2 min read
Education Opinion Student-Driven Differentiation: Putting Student Voice Behind The Wheel
Asking different questions isn't enough if teachers aren't listening to the answers students provide. Here are 3 ways to have authentic differentiation in the classroom.
Lisa Westman, June 8, 2017
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6 min read
Teacher reading book to diverse group of children in the classroom
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Special Education Opinion Why Differentiation Misses the Mark for Gifted Students
Can gifted students' needs be met through differentiated instruction in a "regular" classroom?
Lisa Westman, April 20, 2017
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6 min read
Education Opinion Differentiation: Attainable or Somewhere Over the Rainbow?
Saying "data" in conjunction with student learning often feels sterile and uncaring. However, data is much more than just numbers, and you can learn more about it in this blog.
Lisa Westman, April 4, 2017
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5 min read
Education Opinion Q & A Collections: Differentiating Instruction
All my posts on differentiating instruction from the past five years - in one place!
Larry Ferlazzo, August 18, 2016
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2 min read
westman
Created by Lisa Westman
Teaching Opinion Yes, Differentiation Is Hard. So, Let's Get It Right.
Differentiation is a word that makes some teachers shudder, but we know it's important, so let's get it right.
Lisa Westman, August 11, 2016
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6 min read
Special Education Opinion Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners (Video)
Note: This page previously hosted content from the Teaching Channel.
Teaching Channel, June 8, 2016
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1 min read
School Climate & Safety Opinion Ability Grouping: Better for Students or Easier for Schools?
I never worked harder in or out of the classroom than I did when preparing and presenting two lessons per class. Yet despite my diligence, ability grouping was ineffective, as reflected in students' actions and words: "You are too bogus Coach G. You know Group A is not that smart and Group B is smart, and you separate us so we look dumb. All of us should be in the same group to help each other out."
David Ginsburg, June 1, 2016
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6 min read
Teaching Opinion Response: Differentiating Algebra Instruction
Wendy Jennings, Yvelyne Germain-McCarthy, Billy Bender, Derek Cabrera, and Ed Thomas contribute their thoughts on differentiated algebra instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 26, 2016
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19 min read
Teaching Opinion How Do You Differentiate Algebra Instruction?
Stephanie asks: How do I differentiate Common core algebra for students who are more than 3 years below grade level and still expected to pass an Algebra regents (state test) to graduate from high school? My students receive one 45 minute math class a day and no resource room.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 24, 2016
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1 min read
Teaching Opinion Four Keys to Effective Classroom Learning Centers
When implemented well, learning centers empower students and accommodate their diverse needs as learners.
David Ginsburg, February 28, 2016
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3 min read
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