Differentiation Guide

Differentiation: Getting Started

9 Actionable Steps for Implementation

The essential, non-negotiable guiding principles of differentiation are providing a healthy & nurturing environment that values all students for who they are, quality curriculum, quality assessment practices that constantly inform teaching & learning decisions, tailored instruction, and strong teacher leadership (Tomlinson, 2014, p. 20). Every element is important and cannot be ignored; when all the pieces are put together in a classroom, all students benefit. Click each step to read more.

Multiple means of representation of learning and proof of learning

Providing more alternative assessment types to quizzes/tests

Use the readiness-based strategy of tiering so all learners feel challenged

Tailored Instruction

Utilize relationship-building activities early and often to build strong rapport

Pre-assess with a flexible spirit and willingness to change plans based on pre-assessment data

Pre-assess for student interest and learning profile, not just student readiness

Pre-Assessment

Utilize the school's flexible periods for socio-emotional learning emphasizng growth mindset

Be careful with words and praise effort, not intelligence

Use respectful grading practices that allow students to continue to grow and show what they know

Growth Mindset

Provide multiple means of representation

for learning and for showing proof of learning

Provide multiple means for students to both learn and show what they have learned, considering factors such as in-class learning opportunities and the online learning management system (LMS), Canvas, different learning needs and IEP/504 requirements, and having various types of learning activities.

Pre-assessment

and the importance of flexibility

Pre-assess with a flexible spirit and understand the importance of making changes given trends in pre-assessment data. In other words, although we may have planned for one circumstance, be understanding and ready to change at a moment’s notice for whatever is in the best interest of the students based on data.

Praise effort

not intelligence

Be careful with words and praise the effort of students, not intelligence. Make sure to let students know the importance of growing as a learner; it is about how far one gets in the end, not where one started.

Alternatives to quizzes and tests

Less of the same old, same old

Incorporate more alternatives to typical quizzes and tests such as RAFTs, Learning Menus, or Choice Boards, to support student voice and choice.

Pre-assess

for interest and learning profile

Pre-assess for student interest and learning profile, not just student readiness, as it is important to create an environment that is engaging and interesting to students so that they see the value in the learning.

Relationship-building

Overt bids for connection

Utilize activities such as Attendance Questions, Glows and Grows, “Sit Down If…,” and other relationship-building activities, as a strong rapport and trust between student and teacher are integral to differentiation.

Respectful grading practices

that acknolwedge growth

Use respectful grading practices that allow students to grow and show what they know, like grade replacement.

Socio-emotional Learning

Teaching a growth mindset

Utilize the school’s flexible periods for socio-emotional learning (SEL) lessons about the importance of a growth mindset over a fixed mindset. These lessons could include videos, discussions, and worksheets to help students understand and prioritize areas of growth academically or otherwise.

Tiering

for readiness

Use the readiness-based strategy of tiering respectfully and appropriately so that all learners feel challenged.