Differentiation

Differentiation consists of the efforts of teachers to respond to variance among learners in the classroom. Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or small group to vary his or her teaching in order to create the best learning experience possible, that teacher is differentiating instruction.

Teachers need to address the special needs of wide variety of learning including...

• IEPs or 504 plans

• English language learners

• struggling readers

• underperforming students

• those with gaps in academic knowledge

• gifted students (Criterion:  95 to 99.8 percentile)

• highly gifted ( 99.9 percentile)

How do you differentiate by modifying...

• the content (what is being taught)

• the process (how it is taught) 

• the product (how students demonstrate their learning)

Universal Design in Engieering

Consider the engineering features included in automobiles to meet the needs of specific populations.  How many of these features do you use?

Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and strengths-based learning are complementary approaches. UDL removes barriers and provides multiple access points for learning, while strengths-based learning capitalizes on students' existing abilities. Together, they create a powerful synergy: UDL ensures all students can engage their strengths, and strengths-based learning helps identify areas where UDL can provide the most effective support.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

UDL Principles - Universal design calls for "the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. 

UDL is intended to increase access to learning by reducing physical, cognitive, intellectual, and organizational barriers to learning, as well as other obstacles

• • INPUT - Multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,

  • ENGAGEMENT - Multiple means of engagement to tap into learners' interests, challenge, and motivate them to learn

• OUTPUT - Multiple means of expression to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know, and

Adaptive Technologies

1. Screen readers: software that reads aloud the text on a computer screen, providing access to people with visual impairments.

2. Text-to-speech software: software that converts written text into spoken words, helping people with reading difficulties, learning disabilities, or visual impairments.

3. Speech recognition software: software that allows users to control a computer or dictate text using their voice, providing access to people with mobility or motor impairments.

4. Braille displays: devices that translate text on a computer screen into Braille characters, providing access to people who are blind or visually impaired.

5. Alternative input devices: specialized keyboards, mice, and other devices that allow people with mobility or motor impairments to control their computer using different input methods.

6. Closed captioning: technology that displays text on a screen to help people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to access audio content.

7. Screen magnification software: software that enlarges the content on a computer screen, helping people with visual impairments to see the screen more clearly.

Universal Design

• UDL Strategies

• UDL - Murawski

• UDL - Notes

• Introduction to UDL Video - Dr. David Rose

Next Generation Science Standards

• • NGSS - 3-Dimensional learning 

What Really Works Conference - Example on SEP-2, Developing and Using Models

• • Developing and Using Models - An excellent way to apply UDL to meeting NGSS,