Differentiation = Achievement

Effective teachers are always working to reach the spectrum of readiness, learning styles, and backgrounds of their students, so each will make positive progress over time and grow as learners. Our children come with a wide array of needs, so an educator has to decide how to differentiate in the classroom to spark the meaningful learning that increases achievement.  Here are a few ways to make that happen:

• Study your students.  To teach them well, we must know them well.  Differentiation is our response to their needs.  Know their readiness, interests, backgrounds, and learning profiles.
• Know your curriculum and “plan with the end in mind.”  Clearly define what you want your student to know and be able to do.  Use ongoing formative assessments (daily observations, work samples, anecdotal records) to continuously refine your plans to better meet the individual needs of students along the way.
• Create flexible skill groups.  This means that students will work in a variety of arrangements that change to meet their learning needs.
  • Small groups with students of similar readiness and ability levels
  • Small groups with varying ability levels and interests
  • Partners of similar or different readiness, interests, and ability levels
  • Individuals
  • Whole class
• Build a community of learners.  Students need to know that they are safe, respected, supported, and expected to do their best.  We all share in the success of the learning outcomes – students and teachers alike.  Teachers need to present interesting, rigorous, and meaningful learning opportunities and students must be engaged and willing to learn.
• Promote high expectations.  Plan the most rigorous and complex activities first, assess, and then scaffold to meet individual needs.  Challenge all learners, at all developmental levels, to strive to create their best quality work consistently.

As educators, we must constantly be aware of who our students are and constantly ready to transform our plans and methods if we wish to meet their needs and boost achievement.  We cannot do the same thing, in the same way, for every student and expect success.  Differentiation is the key to growth and a classroom atmosphere where the learner is respected and genuine learning is truly valued.

It is not the act of learning, but actively learning that counts!