Differentiation

Our math classes have a large and diverse group of learners who are all at unique levels of knowledge, and also have various ways of learning.  We strive to create an environment that best fits the style of learning and depth of knowledge for each student.

·Examples of techniques used for differentiation are as follows: 

o   Employing students in leadership roles

§  Class Compass:  Where students can receive help from appointed peers

§  Using students to teach mini lessons for the whole class or small groups

o "Are You Ready for More?" extentions slides within a Desmos class lesson.  Extends the concepts found in the daily lesson.

o   Unit extension problems

§  Students apply new mathematical knowledge in a creative and engaging way at the end of a unit

o   Student grouping techniques

§  Ability grouping

·Peer-to-peer learning

·Peer-to-peer teaching

§  Small group support

§  Three Who Agree

·Grouping to encourage student reflection and feedback

§  Mathematician Partners

·Students choose partners on a rotating basis.

o  Desmos Practice 

·Online work that practices the concepts learned in class. 

o   This homework supports students meeting standard.

  o Target Practice Exentions

   ·Students have the opportunity to take a "4 pointer".  This is an extension of the concept we have been studying where students can demonstrate an above standard understanding.  It is     imbedded within, or accompanies the "Target Practice" for the unit.

o   Cherry Challenges

§  Students have an opportunity with most investigations to take on a problem that is more difficult.  The problem is printed on cherry colored paper where they show their thinking.  The Cherry Challenge is stored in their Math Manifest.

o   This is work that supports students exceeding standards.

o   Desmos Practice Inserts

§  Students who need additional structure to show their mathematical understanding have an opportunity to use Desmos Inserts. These provide the students with the same question that are in the Desmos Practice, but they written worksheet that a student response on and tapes into compbook.

o   Graphing Calculator Technology (TI83)

§  There are times throughout the year, some students will be encouraged to learn and use the TI 83 in their daily math problems.  These students will be able to write program to execute basic algorithms, and create graph and tables using equations.

 o   Book Study

§  Somes students will be invited to participate in a reading group to read Flatland and/or The Number Devil.