Content represents the materials, concepts, and skills being taught. All students receive the same core content, designed to meet the standards, but teachers adjust the complexity based on a student’s readiness, interest, and learning style. 

Process refers to how the information is delivered. Teachers strive to find the right fit of independent learning, one-on-one teacher support (more scaffolding), working in pairs, or small group activities. Lessons are presented so they speak to many learning styles, using graphics or visuals, lectures, written materials, and interactive lessons. 

Teachers provide options for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned. In addition to using required end-of-unit assessments, teachers provide opportunities for students to choose from written reports, oral presentations, and arts or technology projects to present the material they’ve mastered.

Differentiation can also extend to the learning environment of the classroom. This can be achieved by giving students options for their learning environment such as sitting at a desk, working in a learning nook, spending time at a standing desk, or utilizing “fidget” tools.