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A structured approach to support and improve a student’s academic performance.

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The method of tailoring instruction to ensure the needs of all students are met.

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Adjustments made for students so they can better understand curriculum or take assessments.

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Changes made to what a student may be expected to do or learn.

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Modifications to instructions and resources used for the needs of students.

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Interventions are for students who are not reaching their full potential due to academic, behavioral, or emotional difficulties.

Examples) Students with specific learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, intellectual disabilities, and ADHD

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Unique strategies and interventions that are tailored to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities.

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1. Visual Support for students working on comprehension skills

2. Small Group Instruction to provide extra support in a specific area

3. Use of technology to assist with expressing emotions and ideas without a barrier

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Differentiation applies to gifted students, and visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. This concept can also apply to students with learning disabilities.

Examples) Students with ADHD or autism

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Accommodations are for students with specific learning disabilities, who typically have an IEP.

Examples) Students with ADHD, specific learning disabilities, developmental delays, speech or language impairments, autism spectrum disorder, and other health impairments (OHI)

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Modifications apply to students who have academic challenges and need extra support. These students usually have cognitive, learning, or developmental disabilities.

Examples) students with dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), hearing impairments, or visual impairments

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Adaptations apply to students with learning disabilities or gifted students

Examples) Students who are gifted, students who have learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, hearing impairments, and speech impairments

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Specially designed instruction are for students who require tailored strategies to support academic needs. These students usually have an IEP.

Examples) Students with learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and autism/autism spectrum disorder

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1. Allowing a student who struggles with reading to read a simpler text than others when working on comprehension skills

2. Allow students to pick between writing an essay, create a presentation, or create a video/podcast when assigning a project

3. Grouping students in small groups based on interest or level of learning.

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1. Allow easily distracted students to test individually or in separate room

2. Give breaks during class to students with ADHD

3. Use text to speech tools for students who are blind or have reading disability

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1. Give student alternative assignment to match student’s learning goal

2. Change test so that it aligns with student’s instructional level

3. Change the length of an assignment so student does not become overwhelmed

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1. Allow a student with autism to participate in hands on activities to ensure engagement

2. Give a student with intellectual disability instructions using simple language

3. Give gifted students resources that are more advanced

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1. The use of visual aids for visual learners

2. Work on social cues and conflict resolution with students with autism

3. Daily use of calm down strategies for students with emotional disturbance

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The blog goes into detail about different types of interventions in a classroom setting. It highlights two types of interventions; academic and behavioral.

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Learn to address students’ unique academic and behavioral needs with different types of classroom interventions.

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This article discusses how differentiated instruction helps teachers tailor lessons to align with a student’s learning styles, interest, and backgrounds. This method ensures students are engaged and successful in their education.

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Today's classrooms are becoming more diverse. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that the percentage of U.S. public school students who were white was 45 percent in 2021, compared with 52 percent in 2010. Meanwhile, the percentage of Hispanic students, for example, increased to 28 percent, compared with 25 percent previously.

However, students' race is not the only apparent difference in classrooms. A more diverse student population brings a broad variety of experiences, interests, and aptitudes to education. Students differ in characteristics ranging from their cultural norms to the style of learning that fits them best.

Differentiated instruction works to ensure that all these students can excel, regardless of their distinct backgrounds, abilities, and interests. Education degree programs often focus on this teaching approach as a way to promote equity in learning for today's diverse student population.

Effective Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs, for example, include differentiated instruction in the discussion of high-impact teaching practices.

What Is Differentiated Instruction?

Before exploring why it is an important component of teacher training, it is necessary to understand what differentiated instruction is. Put simply, differentiated instruction requires teachers to design lessons that respond to all students' needs.

Differentiated instruction recognizes a diverse student population; various learning styles and unique experiences influence how individual students respond to teaching. It provides an inclusive environment by using various teaching styles, allowing students to learn in the way that works best for them.

Teachers using this style of instruction work with students in small groups or individually to accommodate characteristics such as:

Readiness to learn

How they learn

Prior knowledge

Languages they speak

Personal interests

Students may have learning disabilities that affect their ability to learn in a one-size-fits-all approach to instruction, for example. They may also have a preferred method of communication that makes one type of assignment-such as making a poster instead of writing an essay-more effective. Differentiated instruction is what allows educators to focus on these specific needs, with learner-centered curriculum development that acknowledges students' unique abilities and interests.

Taking student differences into account, teachers can adjust their approaches to:

Lesson content-the material that students learn and the resources that assist them

Student activities-the types of work that teachers assign to reinforce their lessons

Required assessments-the ways that teachers measure student learning

Classroom environment-the room setup and the way students work together

Components of Differentiated Instruction

A five-step process informs educators about the types of teaching strategies that they should employ to ensure equitable learning opportunities. Differentiated instruction begins with determining what students actually need to optimize their learning, instead of simply assuming what will work best. The process is as follows:

1. Identify students' needs through analysis of test results, observation of class activities, and assessments of classwork.

2. Establish educational goals for individual students according to their needs.

3. Adapt how and at what pace to provide instruction, with plans tailored to each student.

4. Assign different types of work to students according to their characteristics, with students' needs informing the difficulty and amount of work.

5. Evaluate students' progress toward achieving the lesson goals to determine the effectiveness of the instruction.

Benefits of Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instruction supports all students in various ways, from encouraging their participation to celebrating their uniqueness. Below are some critical benefits of differentiated instruction.

Gives Students an Active Role

With differentiated instruction, students have more responsibility in their education. In many cases, they can select the approach to learning-and show what they have learned-instead of receiving the material in a way that may not fit best with their background and learning style.

Accommodates All Learners

By offering multiple learning paths, educators can ensure that they are catering to the entire class. Differentiated instruction accommodates everyone from students who are ready for more advanced instruction to students with learning disabilities who have specialized plans for addressing those issues.

Encourages Student Engagement

Differentiated instruction aims to reach students in a way that fits them best. Because it appeals to their own interests and background, the approach often builds greater student interest in the subject matter.

Honors Individual Differences

A hallmark of differentiated instruction is its focus on students' differences-and its celebration of those differences. This type of instruction openly acknowledges that many factors can affect how students learn, and curriculum planning adjusts to make the most of each person's experiences and abilities.

Supports Student Equity

Another benefit of differentiated instruction is that it facilitates student equity. It recognizes that the playing field is not level for all students as they approach learning, because of differences in their background and aptitude. Differentiated instruction works to close equity gaps and facilitate each student's success, promoting social and racial justice.

Differentiated Instruction Strategies

Some basic strategies for curriculum planning and classroom management can make differentiated instruction more impactful. Below are some key differentiated instruction strategies.

Conduct Ongoing Assessments

Effective differentiated instruction requires regular assessments of student learning. The results should help educators determine which educational approaches are working-and which require adjustments to best reach students.

Assign Fulfilling Tasks

Instead of assigning some groups of students more engaging activities than others, educators should work to ensure that all groups of students receive assignments that are fulfilling, according to the styles of learning that are most likely to connect with them.

Vary Student Groups

Another differentiated instruction strategy likely to yield positive results is varying the groups with which students work. To encourage students to interact with various classmates, on some days, teachers can assign students to work with those who are similar to them in learning readiness; on other days, teachers can assign them to work with those with the same preferred learning style.

Build Classroom Rapport

Mixing up the groups in which students participate is one way to build rapport among those in the classroom. Another strategy for developing relationships-and encouraging honest conversations that can inform differentiated instruction practices-is for educators to communicate openly with students about their interests and past experiences.

Differentiated Instruction Examples

What are some ways that teachers can enact differentiated instruction in their classrooms? Below are examples of differentiated instruction.

Scaffolded Activities

With scaffolded activities, teachers assign different types of tasks to different groups of students according to their own characteristics. Reading materials related to the lesson are at appropriate levels for each group, for example. Alternatively, some groups engage in visual lessons while others' lessons cater to their preference for auditory learning.

Student-Selected Assessments

With student-selected assessments, educators allow students to select the way to show what they have learned, based on their own interests and talents. For an end-of-unit assessment, students might choose to create a poster, write an essay, or provide an outline of what they have learned.

Technology-Enabled Instruction

With technology-enabled instruction, students choose between synchronous or asynchronous learning using technological tools such as tablets. Another differentiated instruction example is to accommodate the ways that students communicate, using interactive whiteboards for those with speech limitations.

Maximize Each Student's Learning Potential

Differentiated instruction provides equitable learning opportunities for today's diverse learners. If you are ready to strengthen your ability to connect with students in ways that accommodate-and celebrate-their differences, explore the Online MAT degree program from American University's School of Education.

By addressing institutional and systemic racism, emphasizing essential practices for effective teaching, and relying on scientifically proven learning principles, the program can prepare you to excel in educating all elementary school students. The online program includes fieldwork in classrooms in your local area.

Discover how AU's Online MAT degree can help you reach your goals as an educator.

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How Differentiated Instruction Supports All Students

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What is differentiated instruction? Explore this teaching approach, including the benefits of differentiated instruction as well as strategies and examples.

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This website outlines different accommodation options for students. It list ways to adjust physical environment, presentations, materials, and more.

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Seat near teacher

Assign student to low distraction work area

Seat near positive peer models

Use rows instead of tables in classroom

Don't assign to open classroom setting

Use study carrel

Stand near student when giving instructions

Alter Presentation of Lessons

Adjust work load (reduce rote writing)

Use visual aids with oral presentations

Give student outline of material to be covered in the lesson prior to beginning lesson

Highlight instructions by emphasizing the major points

Permit student to tape record lesson

Provide student with written instructions concerning the lesson

Give clear behavioral objectives

Clearly explain grading criteria for all assignments

Break lesson into short segments

Ask student to repeat instructions

Use high - impact, game - like materials

Modify student's schedule

Call on student often

Give reminders for student to stay on task

Alter Testing/Evaluation Procedures

Permit un-timed testing

Arrange for oral testing

Have resource teacher administer tests

Use short, frequent quizzes

Permit breaks during tests

Permit student to type tests by use of computer in classroom

Adjust grading criteria

Alter Design of Materials

Use large type

Keep page format simple

Use dark ink

Use buff-colored rather than white paper to reduce glare

Divide page into clearly marked sections

Remove distractions from paper

Provide Organizational Assistance

Schedule a study hall in last period of day

Provide AM check-in to organize for day

Provide PM check-out to organize for homework

Provide lunch-time check-in to organize for afternoon

Give time to organize desk during class

Provide training in time management

Provide training in study skills

Provide training in how to take tests

Use a schedule or day timer to plan for long term assignments

Provide periodic review of student=s notes

Provide training in how to take notes

Allow student to take notes by use of PC or laptop computer in classroom

Employ Effective Motivational Techniques

Increase frequency of feedback

Provide a daily assignment sheet

Send daily progress note home

Send weekly progress note home

Periodically review the student=s progress with student and parents

Encourage student to use a computer at all times to complete school work

Use a "response cost" for misbehavior, student subtracts a set amount of points from points given at beginning of each day which points result in a special privilege or activity for the student to participate

Use time out for misbehavior

Use in-class point system for positive behaviors, with points earned for positive goal behavior with daily reward experience at end of each school day

Additional Supports

Peer tutoring

Cross-age tutoring

Study-buddy

Work with teacher aid or personal assistant

Meet with teacher after school

Additional Skill Training

Provide conflict resolution training

Provide communications training

Teach student to monitor own behavior

Teach cognitive self-instructional (self-talk) techniques

Provide stress reduction and relaxation training and techniques

Keyboard and computer usage training to use computer instead of handwriting

Provide training in test taking skills

Parent Involvement

Call parents immediately if student

Conduct parent conferences on at least a quarterly basis

Involve parents in selecting teacher(s) for the next school year

Input to Medical/Therapeutic Support

Maintain a narrative log of significant events

Complete teacher ratings as follows

Look for specific medication side-effects

Train office staff to administer medication as prescribed

Remind student to go to the office to take medication

Check to see if medication is wearing off too soon

Social/Peer Oriented Interventions

Monitor playground interactions with peers

Monitor lunch-room interactions with peers

Prompt student to engage in specific social skills such as:

Assign to be with adults during lunch and/or recess times

Ongoing or Intensive Interventions

Provide individual counseling for student with school or mental health counselor

Provide social skills training by outside mental health professional or agency

Teach self-instructional strategies by outside mental health professional or agency

Provide student's family with family therapy with a mental health counselor

Monitor behavioral plan at school and home for consistency in approach

Maintain ongoing consultation with parents by phone and in person

Maintain a procedure to provide crisis intervention if ever needed

Refer student to see if good candidate for medication

Refer student for medication review and update if noticing problems

Teacher Attitudes/Beliefs

Provide student's teacher(s) with in-service workshop on inclusion of students needs

Provide student's teacher(s) with reading materials on students with needs

Provide student's teacher(s) with all relevant background information on student to assist in planning an appropriate educational plan

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Seat near teacher Assign student to low distraction work area Seat near positive peer models Use rows instead of tables in classroom Don't assign to open classroom setting Use study carrel Stand near student when giving instructions Alter Presentation of Lessons Adjust work load (reduce rote writing) Use visual aids

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Modification vs. Accommodation in Education: Fostering Equity and Inclusivity

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The blog explains the differences between accommodations and modifications in education. It also explains the importance of tailored instruction to create an inclusive environment for students.

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Lara Miller, MATerritory Account Executive

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Modification vs. Accommodation in Education: Fostering Equity and Inclusivity

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Explore how accommodations and modifications support student success in education, including key differences, best practices, and legal guidelines.

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This website gives essential guidelines on how to support special needs students in accessing curriculum. It also emphasizes how important the IEP team is when determining adaptations for students.

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This website focuses on how SDI is important for addressing IEP goals. The site defines SDI and compares it to other concepts used in education such as differentiation and accommodations.

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It addresses their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals; accounts for their disability; provides modifications or adaptations to content; and encourages access to the general education curriculum.

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Flexible grouping: small groups based on needs and learning profiles that allows teacher to support appropriately.

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Scaffolding: gives student help and support while they are learning new skills. The support gradually decreases until student is able to be independent.

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6 Scaffolding Strategies to Use With Your Students

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Support every student by breaking learning up into chunks and providing a concrete structure for each.

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Collaboration: students work together to complete assignments to build communication and team work skills.

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In a world where individual achievement often takes precedence over collective progress, our educational institutions have inadvertently fostered a competitive rather than a cooperative learning environment. I recognize the need to shift this paradigm and believe that learning is not just an individual pursuit but a collective endeavor in which students thrive not only by their own success but also through collaboration and support from their peers.

To this end, the below framework prioritizes intentional, interconnected, and impactful learning experiences, for both the individual and the group.

Through intentional design, my goal is to create learning experiences that consider the needs and contributions of both the individual and the group. When we foster interconnectedness, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of collaboration in addressing complex challenges and achieving shared goals.

Moreover, I emphasize the impact of learning not only on the individual but also on the collective community. When we nurture empathy, understanding, and a sense of responsibility toward others, our students become active participants in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

Intentionality

Learning has to be intentional. Every aspect of creating the learning environment must be purposeful and ensure that every element of the educational experience aligns with a larger vision.

Being intentional means considering the broad learning objectives, such as content standards and key skills, but it also encompasses more nuanced goals. Where is there space for play and exploration? How do we foster comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty? What role does curiosity play in driving learning? How do we empower students and promote their sense of agency?

These questions illustrate the multifaceted nature of intentionality in designing deep, meaningful learning experiences.

True intentionality involves empowering students by designing learning experiences with the explicit intent of nurturing them as critical and creative thinkers. This means crafting educational experiences that go beyond meeting specific standards, transcending disciplinary boundaries and individual data points-transforming education into a dynamic, engaging, and deeply impactful journey.

Imagine: What if the simple act of entering the classroom became an intentional part of the learning experience? Typically, this is a routine that lacks impact on student engagement or creativity. But what if, instead, students entered the space in a way that nurtured the thinking dispositions you aim to develop throughout the year?

This concept can be equally powerful for younger and older students. Take, for example, a high school biology class. An "imagination portal" could be designed to transport students to a new planet. Inside, they might encounter random materials and be tasked with creating something new, encouraging them to imagine entirely different forms of existence in an unfamiliar environment.

This approach isn't just about preparing students for exams-it's about shaping thoughtful, curious minds capable of a lifetime of inquiry and engagement. Being intentional about how students enter the classroom sets the tone for meaningful and profound learning, creating an atmosphere that reaches far beyond the school walls.

Interconnected

Designing deep, meaningful learning experiences necessitates an interconnected approach. This involves crafting experiences that allow students to explore problems or issues from multiple perspectives, encouraging them to hold and understand diverse viewpoints simultaneously.

Interconnected learning experiences emphasize the humanity behind the learning process, preparing students to engage with a complex, nuanced, and constantly changing world. Interconnectedness should be integrated into every facet of the educational design.

This means creating opportunities for students to see and appreciate the links between different subjects, ideas, and perspectives. It involves fostering a classroom environment where diverse viewpoints are not only accepted but celebrated, and where students are encouraged to think critically about their place within a larger context.

This approach promotes a holistic view of learning, where academic content is intertwined with social and emotional growth. It prepares students to navigate the complexities of the real world, equipping them with the skills to adapt, empathize, and thrive in diverse environments.

Imagine: What if, before beginning a unit of study, we centered learning around a key question rooted in real life rather than a single discipline? It could be a question like "How do we balance individual needs with the needs of our community?" Such a question transcends subject boundaries, inviting students to explore the interconnectedness of humanity across various fields.

In an environmental science class, students might examine how individual choices affect community health and shared resources. In literature, students could analyze works like To Kill a Mockingbird, exploring the tension between personal desires and societal needs, such as justice and moral responsibility. Meanwhile, a mathematics class might dive into game theory, looking at how individual decisions impact others in complex systems.

What if classrooms were more open, allowing students from different subjects to collaborate, discuss, and reflect on how these seemingly isolated disciplines overlap, connect, and impact our current world? By exploring this life-centered question together, students could deepen their understanding of both the individual and collective experience.

The unit could culminate in a community-wide exhibition, where students share their interdisciplinary learning, sparking further conversation and reflection on how we live and act together in society.

Learning experiences need to be impactful and resonate deeply with students, giving them a sense of purpose. Students yearn for opportunities to see how their learning influences the world around them. Creating impactful learning experiences doesn't necessarily mean tackling global issues, though it can. Impactful learning means giving students the chance to act in the world now, allowing them to see and feel the significance of their efforts in meaningful and relevant ways.

When learning is focused solely on tests or grades, students often see it as a meaningless task, but if they view their learning as a tool for unlocking new ways of interacting, understanding, and being in the world, the purpose becomes clear and compelling, and they become more engaged and invested in their learning.

Students then understand that their efforts matter and that they have the power to influence their surroundings positively. This perspective transforms education from a chore into a meaningful and fulfilling endeavor.

Imagine: What if students created an "Unfair Museum"? The project would begin with students identifying and discussing issues they find unfair or unjust, through either personal experience or research. After diving deeper into their chosen issue, each student would be tasked with creating a persuasive work of art that reflects their ideas, research, and emotions.

This challenge could be tackled across any discipline. For example, a math class might focus on presenting quantitative data and statistics to highlight inequalities, while a science class could conduct experiments or formulate hypotheses to support their argument.

The Unfair Museum fosters empathy and critical thinking by prompting students to investigate unjust situations and understand societal issues from diverse perspectives. It empowers students by giving them a platform to express their concerns, demonstrating that their voices and actions can influence change. Furthermore, the project encourages collaboration and creativity, as students work together to produce powerful artifacts that inspire dialogue and promote collective action within their community.

Impactful learning experiences prepare students to become proactive, thoughtful, and effective individuals. By designing such experiences, teachers can help students discover their potential to create positive change, both now and in the future. It all begins in school, where impactful learning sets the foundation for a lifetime of purpose and contribution.

The approach I've outlined above seeks to bridge the gap between individual achievement and collective growth, creating a more cooperative and collaborative educational system.

Responses are generated by artificial intelligence. AI can make mistakes.

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How Collaboration Promotes Deeper Learning

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One teacher has found that focusing on both the individual and the group in lesson planning helps create a solid foundation for learning.

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Differentiated Instruction: tailoring instructions to meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Today's classrooms are becoming more diverse. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that the percentage of U.S. public school students who were white was 45 percent in 2021, compared with 52 percent in 2010. Meanwhile, the percentage of Hispanic students, for example, increased to 28 percent, compared with 25 percent previously.

However, students' race is not the only apparent difference in classrooms. A more diverse student population brings a broad variety of experiences, interests, and aptitudes to education. Students differ in characteristics ranging from their cultural norms to the style of learning that fits them best.

Differentiated instruction works to ensure that all these students can excel, regardless of their distinct backgrounds, abilities, and interests. Education degree programs often focus on this teaching approach as a way to promote equity in learning for today's diverse student population.

Effective Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs, for example, include differentiated instruction in the discussion of high-impact teaching practices.

What Is Differentiated Instruction?

Before exploring why it is an important component of teacher training, it is necessary to understand what differentiated instruction is. Put simply, differentiated instruction requires teachers to design lessons that respond to all students' needs.

Differentiated instruction recognizes a diverse student population; various learning styles and unique experiences influence how individual students respond to teaching. It provides an inclusive environment by using various teaching styles, allowing students to learn in the way that works best for them.

Teachers using this style of instruction work with students in small groups or individually to accommodate characteristics such as:

Readiness to learn

How they learn

Prior knowledge

Languages they speak

Personal interests

Students may have learning disabilities that affect their ability to learn in a one-size-fits-all approach to instruction, for example. They may also have a preferred method of communication that makes one type of assignment-such as making a poster instead of writing an essay-more effective. Differentiated instruction is what allows educators to focus on these specific needs, with learner-centered curriculum development that acknowledges students' unique abilities and interests.

Taking student differences into account, teachers can adjust their approaches to:

Lesson content-the material that students learn and the resources that assist them

Student activities-the types of work that teachers assign to reinforce their lessons

Required assessments-the ways that teachers measure student learning

Classroom environment-the room setup and the way students work together

Components of Differentiated Instruction

A five-step process informs educators about the types of teaching strategies that they should employ to ensure equitable learning opportunities. Differentiated instruction begins with determining what students actually need to optimize their learning, instead of simply assuming what will work best. The process is as follows:

1. Identify students' needs through analysis of test results, observation of class activities, and assessments of classwork.

2. Establish educational goals for individual students according to their needs.

3. Adapt how and at what pace to provide instruction, with plans tailored to each student.

4. Assign different types of work to students according to their characteristics, with students' needs informing the difficulty and amount of work.

5. Evaluate students' progress toward achieving the lesson goals to determine the effectiveness of the instruction.

Benefits of Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instruction supports all students in various ways, from encouraging their participation to celebrating their uniqueness. Below are some critical benefits of differentiated instruction.

Gives Students an Active Role

With differentiated instruction, students have more responsibility in their education. In many cases, they can select the approach to learning-and show what they have learned-instead of receiving the material in a way that may not fit best with their background and learning style.

Accommodates All Learners

By offering multiple learning paths, educators can ensure that they are catering to the entire class. Differentiated instruction accommodates everyone from students who are ready for more advanced instruction to students with learning disabilities who have specialized plans for addressing those issues.

Encourages Student Engagement

Differentiated instruction aims to reach students in a way that fits them best. Because it appeals to their own interests and background, the approach often builds greater student interest in the subject matter.

Honors Individual Differences

A hallmark of differentiated instruction is its focus on students' differences-and its celebration of those differences. This type of instruction openly acknowledges that many factors can affect how students learn, and curriculum planning adjusts to make the most of each person's experiences and abilities.

Supports Student Equity

Another benefit of differentiated instruction is that it facilitates student equity. It recognizes that the playing field is not level for all students as they approach learning, because of differences in their background and aptitude. Differentiated instruction works to close equity gaps and facilitate each student's success, promoting social and racial justice.

Differentiated Instruction Strategies

Some basic strategies for curriculum planning and classroom management can make differentiated instruction more impactful. Below are some key differentiated instruction strategies.

Conduct Ongoing Assessments

Effective differentiated instruction requires regular assessments of student learning. The results should help educators determine which educational approaches are working-and which require adjustments to best reach students.

Assign Fulfilling Tasks

Instead of assigning some groups of students more engaging activities than others, educators should work to ensure that all groups of students receive assignments that are fulfilling, according to the styles of learning that are most likely to connect with them.

Vary Student Groups

Another differentiated instruction strategy likely to yield positive results is varying the groups with which students work. To encourage students to interact with various classmates, on some days, teachers can assign students to work with those who are similar to them in learning readiness; on other days, teachers can assign them to work with those with the same preferred learning style.

Build Classroom Rapport

Mixing up the groups in which students participate is one way to build rapport among those in the classroom. Another strategy for developing relationships-and encouraging honest conversations that can inform differentiated instruction practices-is for educators to communicate openly with students about their interests and past experiences.

Differentiated Instruction Examples

What are some ways that teachers can enact differentiated instruction in their classrooms? Below are examples of differentiated instruction.

Scaffolded Activities

With scaffolded activities, teachers assign different types of tasks to different groups of students according to their own characteristics. Reading materials related to the lesson are at appropriate levels for each group, for example. Alternatively, some groups engage in visual lessons while others' lessons cater to their preference for auditory learning.

Student-Selected Assessments

With student-selected assessments, educators allow students to select the way to show what they have learned, based on their own interests and talents. For an end-of-unit assessment, students might choose to create a poster, write an essay, or provide an outline of what they have learned.

Technology-Enabled Instruction

With technology-enabled instruction, students choose between synchronous or asynchronous learning using technological tools such as tablets. Another differentiated instruction example is to accommodate the ways that students communicate, using interactive whiteboards for those with speech limitations.

Maximize Each Student's Learning Potential

Differentiated instruction provides equitable learning opportunities for today's diverse learners. If you are ready to strengthen your ability to connect with students in ways that accommodate-and celebrate-their differences, explore the Online MAT degree program from American University's School of Education.

By addressing institutional and systemic racism, emphasizing essential practices for effective teaching, and relying on scientifically proven learning principles, the program can prepare you to excel in educating all elementary school students. The online program includes fieldwork in classrooms in your local area.

Discover how AU's Online MAT degree can help you reach your goals as an educator.

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How Differentiated Instruction Supports All Students

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What is differentiated instruction? Explore this teaching approach, including the benefits of differentiated instruction as well as strategies and examples.

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Cooperative Learning: students work together in small groups to complete tasks by using critical thinking skills.

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How Cooperative Learning Can Benefit Students This Year

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Working on tasks that have been carefully designed to require collaboration helps students develop interpersonal skills.

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Explicit Instruction: the use of modeling, guided practice, and independent practice to teach curriculum.

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You are welcome to print copies for non-commercial use, or a limited number for educational purposes, as long as credit is given to Reading Rockets and the author(s). For commercial use, please contact the author or publisher listed.

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Explicit instruction is a purposeful way of teaching students, where instruction is systematic, direct, engaging, and success oriented - and has been shown to promote achievement for all students.