According to Dr. Tracey Hall (2002), a scientist at the National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum, differentiated instruction is, "to recognize students varying background knowledge, readiness, language, preferences in learning, interests, and to react responsively." There are three main components within instruction that teachers can differentiate: content, process, and product (Tomlinson, 2014). Within these categories are a variety of differentiation strategies, some of these include: tiered activities, small group instruction, graphic organizers, compacting assignments, jigsaw, and learning centers (Tomlinson, 2014, p. 83, 123-149).
Differentiation is an essential component to Tier 1 in the KyMTSS system and should be embedded in core classroom instruction for all students. It is a key component of improving instruction in response to the needs of all learners, thus addressing achievement gaps for targeted populations of students.
Information on Differentiation
Book/Print Resources
The Differentiated Classroom by Carol Ann Tomlinson—This book is a complete guide to differentiated instruction. Tomlinson describes the difference between a differentiated and non-differentiated lesson and provides a variety of ideas for teachers to use in their classrooms.
Differentiated Instructional Strategies by Gayle H. Gregory and Carolyn Chapman—Gregory and Chapman provide a clear understanding of each learning style. They also show numerous examples of how teachers can reach students with specific learning styles and needs.
Assessment and Student Success in a Differentiated Classroom by Carol Ann Tomlinson and Tonya R. Moon—This book describes how to use formative and summative assessments to guide instruction in order to promote student success.
Differentiation Central —This website defines differentiated instruction, provides samples of how differentiation looks in the classroom, and has a list of activities at all grade levels available to teachers.
Differentiation Daily —This website features differentiated activities created by teachers. There are numerous lessons for all subjects and ability levels.
Byrdseed—Gifted Education - Free lesson plans and resources for gifted students
References:
Hall, T. (2002).
Differentiated instruction: Effective classroom practices report. Retrieved from www.cast.org/system/galleries/download/ncac/DifInstruc.pdf
Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Please contact
the Standards Team with any questions.