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Meeting unique needs:
Gain insight into the essential techniques of differentiated instruction. This webinar will demonstrate how to use assessments, adapt content, and employ technology to address the unique needs of students, fostering an environment where all learners can thrive.
EQUALITY
VS
EQUITY
Definition
Providing the same resources, instructions, or materials to all students, regardless of their individual needs or abilities.
Example
Every student receives the same worksheet, lecture, or textbook, assuming all can equally benefit from identical content.
Definition
Adjusting resources, instruction, or materials to address the unique needs of each student, ensuring all have the opportunity to achieve success.
Example
Students who struggle with reading might receive audio versions of text, while advanced learners work on extended or deeper activities. This customization ensures all students can access and engage with the content effectively.
Names to Know
Names to Know
Carol Ann Tomlinson is a leading expert in differentiated instruction, known for her extensive work in helping educators meet the diverse needs of students. A professor at the University of Virginia, she has authored numerous books and articles on differentiation and has been recognized globally for her contributions to education. Her research emphasizes adapting content, process, and products to support all learners, making her a key figure in advancing equitable and effective teaching practices. Tomlinson’s four pillars of differentiation—content, process, product, and learning environment—serve as a framework for tailoring instruction to meet diverse learner needs. These pillars guide educators in modifying what students learn, how they learn, how they demonstrate learning, and the setting in which learning occurs, ensuring every student has access to meaningful and engaging educational experiences.
Other notable researchers and theorists in differentiation include:
Joseph Renzulli, who expanded on Tomlinson's work by developing the "Five Dimensions of Differentiation".
Sally M. Reis, who collaborated with Renzulli on differentiation research.
Diane Lawrence-Brown, who studied the effectiveness of differentiated instruction for students with a wide range of abilities, including those with disabilities.
Erwin Lyle Konold, whose research demonstrated positive effects of differentiated curriculum on high-performing students in mathematics.
David H. Rose and Todd Rose, who have contributed to research on brain-based learning and its implications for differentiation.
Click the icon above for research about differentiation.
t-tess dimensions related to differentation
t-tess dimensions related to differentation
Domain 1: Planning
1.1 Standards and Alignment: Ensuring lesson objectives are aligned with state standards and address the diverse needs of students.
1.4 Activities: Designing activities that are differentiated to accommodate various learning styles, readiness levels, and interests.
Domain 2: Instruction
2.1 Achieving Expectations: Setting high, yet attainable expectations for all learners through differentiated strategies.
2.4 Differentiation: Explicitly focuses on adapting content, process, and product to meet individual student needs and abilities.
2.5 Monitor and Adjust: Continuously assessing student understanding and adjusting instruction to address gaps or extend learning.
Domain 3: Learning Environment
3.1 Classroom Environment, Routines, and Procedures: Creating an environment conducive to differentiation, such as flexible seating and clear routines.
3.2 Managing Student Behavior: Using strategies that support diverse learners in staying engaged and focused.
3.3 Classroom Culture: Building a positive and inclusive classroom culture that values and supports individual differences.
Using Assessments to Guide Differentiation
Using Assessments to Guide Differentiation
Pre-Assessment Strategies
Entrance tickets
Surveys
Concept maps
Anticipation guides
Quick writes
Self-assessment checklists
Vocabulary pre-test
Think-pair-share
Gallery walks
Interest inventories
Ongoing Assessments
Exit tickets
Thumbs up, sideways, down
Polling tools
Observation checklists
Turn-and-talk
Whiteboard responses
Quick quizzes
Peer feedback
Running records
Learning journals
Summative Assessments
Choice boards
Project-based learning
Portfolios
Performance tasks
Research papers
Group presentations
Infographics
Debates
Digital storytelling
Tests with varied formats
Adapting Content, Process, Products, AND ENVIRONMENT
Adapting Content, Process, Products, AND ENVIRONMENT
WHAT STUDENTS LEARN ⭐ HOW STUDENTS LEARN ⭐ HOW STUDENTS SHOW LEARNING ⭐ THEIR ENVIRONMENT
Content Adaptation
Tiered assignments
Leveled reading materials
Audiobooks or text-to-speech tools
Graphic organizers
Chunked texts
Visual aids (charts, diagrams, infographics)
Highlighted key concepts
Interactive simulations
Alternate texts (fiction vs. nonfiction)
Pre-recorded lessons
Process Adaptation
Small group instruction
Learning stations
Peer teaching
Flexible pacing
Guided practice
Collaborative projects
Problem-solving tasks
Hands-on experiments
Virtual field trips
Scaffolding with sentence starters
Product Adaptation
Visual presentations (posters, slides)
Written reports
Multimedia projects (videos, podcasts)
Artistic creations (paintings, models)
Oral presentations
Dramatic performances or skits
Choice boards for deliverables
Infographics
Digital portfolios
Interactive games or quizzes created by students
Learning Environment
Flexible seating options
Quiet zones and collaboration areas
Temperature and lighting adjustments
Accessible resources
Visual and auditory supports
Flexible grouping
Classroom layout
Positive atmosphere
Virtual and hybrid options
Behavioral and emotional supports
Tech integration support
Tech integration support
For Content Delivery:
Newsela: https://newsela.com/ (Provides articles at different reading levels)
Nearpod: https://nearpod.com/ (Interactive lessons with real-time engagement)
Pear Deck: https://www.peardeck.com/ (Interactive lessons with real-time engagement)
Screencastify: https://www.screencastify.com/ (Record mini-lessons)
Loom: https://www.loom.com/ (Record mini-lessons)
ReadWorks: https://www.readworks.org/ (Leveled reading passages with comprehension support)
TED-Ed: https://ed.ted.com/ (High-quality educational videos on various topics)
BrainPOP: https://www.brainpop.com/ (Animated educational videos and resources for various subjects)
For Student Practice:
IXL: https://www.ixl.com/ (Personalized math practice paths)
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/ (Personalized learning resources)
Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/ (Vocabulary practice with varying complexity levels)
Formative: https://www.formative.com/ (Adaptive quizzes)
Edulastic: https://assessment.peardeck.com/login (Adaptive quizzes)
Wizer.me: https://app.wizer.me/ (Interactive worksheets with multiple support options)
Blooket: https://www.blooket.com/ (Interactive learning games with a focus on speed and competition)
Gimkit: https://www.gimkit.com/ (Learning game platform with unique game modes and customization options)
For Assessment:
Plickers: https://www.plickers.com/ (Monitor understanding without devices)
Kahoot: https://kahoot.com/ (Generate quick feedback with quizzes)
Quizizz: https://quizizz.com/ (Generate quick feedback with quizzes)
Padlet: https://padlet.com/ (Create choice boards)
Wakelet: https://wakelet.com/ (Create choice boards)
GoFormative: https://goformative.com/ (Real-time student responses and feedback with various question types)
Quizalize: https://quizalize.com/ (Gamified quizzes and assignments with detailed reports)
For Content Creation:
Natural Reader: https://www.naturalreaders.com/webapp.html (Text-to-speech conversion)
Read&Write: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/readwrite-for-google-chro/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd (Text-to-speech conversion and writing support)
Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/ (Writing support)
HemlockWriting: https://hemlock.io/ (Writing support)
Mindmeister: https://www.mindmeister.com/ (Mind maps)
Coggle: https://coggle.it/ (Mind maps)
Canva: https://www.canva.com/ (Design tools for infographics)
Piktochart: https://piktochart.com/ (Design tools for infographics)
Storybird: https://storybird.com/ (Create visual stories with artwork from various illustrators)
ThingLink: https://www.thinglink.com/ (Create interactive images and videos with embedded content)
For Collaboration:
Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/u/0/ (Organize group work)
Classkick: https://classkick.com/ (Peer feedback with interactive whiteboards)
Seesaw: https://seesaw.com/ (Peer feedback with interactive activities)
Miro: https://miro.com/ (Collaborative whiteboard)
YoTeach: https://yoteachapp.com/ (Facilitate classroom discussions)
AnswerGarden: https://answergarden.ch/ (Minimalistic feedback tool)
Differentiation Scenarios
Differentiation Scenarios
Take a moment to review the scenarios provided and choose one that resonates with your teaching experience or interests you. Once you've selected a scenario, reflect on the unique needs of the students described.
Using what we've covered about differentiation, write down one specific way you would adapt the content, process, product, and/or environment to support these students effectively. Focus on practical strategies you can implement in your own classroom.
Scenario 1: Struggling Readers in Science Class
You have a group of students in a science class who struggle with reading comprehension. The upcoming lesson requires understanding a complex article about ecosystems and food webs.
Task: How would you differentiate the content, process, product and/or environment to ensure these students can engage with and demonstrate understanding of the material?
Scenario 2: Advanced Learners in Math
A few students in your math class have already mastered the concept of solving linear equations, which is the focus of the upcoming unit.
Task: How would you adapt the content, process, product and/or environment to challenge these students and keep them engaged?
Scenario 3: Mixed Skill Levels in Writing
In your ELA class, students have varying skill levels in writing. Some are proficient and can write strong essays, while others struggle with sentence structure and grammar. The task is to write a persuasive essay.
Task: How can you differentiate the content, process, product and/or environment to address these varying skill levels?
Scenario 4: Diverse Interests in Social Studies
Your social studies class is about to begin a project on significant events in history. Students have diverse interests—some prefer researching military history, while others are drawn to cultural or scientific advancements.
Task: How would you differentiate the content, process, product and/or environment to accommodate these varied interests?
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