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Differentiation in education is all about adjusting how we teach so that every student gets what they need to succeed. It means tweaking the content, how students learn it, how they show what they’ve learned, or even the classroom setup to make learning more accessible for everyone.

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Typically students on either side of the spectrum can benefit from differentiation; Students with Learning Disabilities and those in gifted programs.

Examples of Differentiation:

1) Students who might need language support, visuals, or modified instruction to help them understand the material.

2) Giving struggling readers a simplified text.

3) Flexible grouping by skill level.

Differentiating Instruction

In this video we see how easy it can be to implement Differentiation in the classroom. We can see that the biggest component to doing differentiation well is relationship. Knowing your students strengths and weaknesses will allow for flexibility in your lessons, while still learning the same key concepts.

Differentiation High-Leverage Practices

1) Learning Stations.

2) Targeting different senses within the lesson.

3) Implementing goal setting strategies.

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Intervention in education is extra support for students who are struggling, whether it’s with learning or behavior. It’s more than just regular teaching—it’s focused, structured help to keep students from falling behind.

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Students who could use intervention are anyone struggling academically..it could be either/or from different learning disabilities or behavioral issues. Any student at risk of falling behind.

Examples of Intervention:

1) Math intervention groups

2) Behavior Support

3) Speech therapy

Response to Intervention: A Tiered Approach to Instructing All Students

In the video above we see how to approach intervention in the classroom using a tiered approach. The most intense interventions will be saved for the fewest number of students who are still laying behind their peers.

Intervention High-Leverage Practices

1) Differentiated Instruction.

2) Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

3) Individualized Education Programs.

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Accommodation is a way to help students learn and show what they know without changing what they’re expected to learn.

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Accommodations are typically provided to students who need extra support like those with specific learning disabilities or those who may have physical disabilities.

Examples of Accommodations:

1) seating in a low-distraction area.

2) speech-to-text tools.

3) extra time on an assignment.

Understanding Accommodations

High-Leverage Practices for Accommodations:

1) Assistive Technology Integration

2) Flexible Assessment Options

3) Collaborative Team Approach

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Adaptations are changes made to lessons, materials, or tests to help students learn in a way that works for them. Unlike accommodations (which change HOW students learn), adaptations can adjust what they’re expected to learn.

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Adaptations are helpful for students who need extra support to access learning and succeed at their own level...students with learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

Examples of Adaptations:

1) simplified language.

2) speech-to-text.

3) shorter assignments.

Specific Examples of Adaptations

In the video above, we can see many examples of adaptations and how they can be used effectively in the classroom. These are wonderful examples as they don't require the teacher to do any additional planning.

High-Leverage Practices for Adaptations

1) flexible grouping strategies

2) simplified materials

3) scaffolded learning

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Modifications are changes made to what a student is expected to learn.

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Modifications are typically used for students who need significant changes to their curriculum because they are working below grade level or have unique learning needs.

Examples of Modifications:

1) Lowering the reading level

2) Change the learning goals

3) Offer an alternative assignment

Modification Examples in Special Education

Understanding the differences between accommodations and modifications is important to understand, as they are commonly confused with each other. In the video above, we get a simplified break down of the differences and how we can use them in the classroom.

High-Leverage Practices for Modifications:

1) customized learning goals

2) alternative assignments

3) alternative assessments

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Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is customized teaching that helps students with disabilities learn in a way that works best for them. It’s part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and focuses on meeting a student’s unique learning needs.

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SDI is for students who are on an IEP

Examples of Specially Designed Instruction:

1) personalized lessons and strategies

2) Teaching reading with a multi-sensory approach

3) Providing step-by-step math instruction

The Ins and Outs of SDI

In the video above, we learn the intricacies of SDI and co-teaching and how they both work together to best support the students.

High-Leverage Practices for SDI:

1) Flexible Grouping & Differentiation

2) Small group instruction

3) Teaching with hands-on, visual, and auditory strategies