Learning Community for Teachers
"Differentiated instruction... is about shaping instructional methods and classroom practices in response to the diversity of students in our classrooms" (Manitoba Education and Training, Success for All Learners xi).
Differentiated instruction generally begins with formative assessment. It involves the partners
in the learning community in planning to meet
students' cognitive and developmental goals,
and to accommodate the learners' interests
and learning styles. Differentiated instruction
in the multilevel classroom also involves planning
for strategic instruction from multiple
curricula. Planning for learners with exceptional
needs includes meeting the specific learning
outcomes identified in their individual
education plan (IEP). 
(1.01 MB)
Teachers facilitate differentiated instruction in a variety of ways. You can
- use formative assessment to focus on what
you see and hear during regular instruction
to determine what learners can do
- 
(115 KB) - plan from the Suggestions for Instruction in one or two Foundation for Implementation documents at the outset, and move into others as confidence and knowledge grows (Notice the overlap of instructional strategies and processes from one subject and/or grade to another.)
- construct a classroom continuum
of learning built on formative
assessment for learning
- establish flexible and cooperative groupings
(454 KB)
- use the Model of Explicit Instruction
to meet the needs of a wide range of learners
(952 KB)
- implement the multiple intelligences
model for instruction and application
of new learning
(26.3 KB)
- allow for student choice and more
time to complete tasks
-
(476 KB)
- provide authentic materials for mathematics,
science, and art (such as collections of
buttons, keys, bottle caps, bread tags,
cartons, rocks, variety of art media,
and so on) and text sets for supporting inquiry and literacy
in a collaborative classroom
(710 KB)
- schedule large blocks of uninterrupted
time for workshops
(60 to 90 minutes) and integrated themes
- invite parents into the classroom
to see what differentiated instruction
looks like and to assist in the learning
of the classroom
(825 KB)
- engage parents in setting goals and
action plans for learning
-
(427 KB)
