Differentiated Instruction in the Middle School Classroom

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Differentiated Instructionin the Middle School
Classroom

• Adam Henry

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Goals

• To define differentiated instruction
• To provide examples of differentiated instruction
  in the classroom using research and experience
• To provide you with the opportunity to ask
  questions and share your ideas

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Differentiated Instruction Defined

• All students enter the classroom at different
  levels of readiness.
• Teachers adjust the level of complexity, amount
  of material presented, and types of material
  presented.
• Interest in meeting the individual needs of our
  students.

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Types of D.I.

• Adaptations Students reach SAME outcomes, but in
  different ways.
• Modifications Students participate in a lesson,
  but achieve DIFFERENT outcomes, based on needs.

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Curriculum Compacting

• Process of streamlining curriculum to students
  who are capable of working at a faster academic
  level.
• When mastery is achieved, the student can work on
  independent study through an independent learning
  contract.
• Students place in class is dynamic.

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Anchor Activities

• Extra activities designed for students who finish
  an assignment ahead of schedule.
• Activities provide drill and practice,
  enrichment, reflection, or remediation.
• Students must learn when and how to access anchor
  activities on their own.
• Students should keep track (with folder or
  charts) of completed anchor activities.

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Stations

• Learning centers with collection of materials for
  exploring topics or practicing skills.
• Centers can be made to match interests or levels
  of readiness.
• Centers need task cards with clear directions.
• Students can record progress on chart or keep
  portfolio.
• Allows teacher to meet with individuals or small
  groups in order to help.

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Tiered Assignments

• Varied levels of assignments to meet needs of
  students.
• Allows students to begin at their readiness level
  and work on appropriately challenging tasks.
• Includes concepts that ALL students will master.
• Includes concepts that MOST students will master.
• Includes extensions that SOME students will
  master.

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D.I. in Practice

• Teach-A-Lesson
• Numbered Heads Together
• Showdown
• Spend-A-Buck
• German Class notes
• Bell-ringer and Exit Visas