Chapter 7 Presentation

Preparing Students AND Parents FOR A Differentiated

Classroom

Jackee Gadson

ED 602-51

What Differentiated Instruction is

Differentiated instruction is a proactive approach teachers use to facilitate learning in a way that honors and supports the unique learning styles, needs and interests of each individual student.

In a differentiated classroom learning standards are the same for everyone, but each student has options for how they access content, process information, and demonstrate learning.

Differentiated instruction recognizes that ONE-SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL. Students’ approach and ability to learn and demonstrate learning can vary greatly within a single classroom.

Differentiated instruction gives all students equal opportunity to have academic success.

How Our Classroom Will Be Differentiated

Flexible grouping accommodations with different tasks assigned to various groups.

Student choice/learning menus.

Access to supplementary materials and products to extend learning beyond a lesson.

Adjustments to the layout of the classroom to accommodate the different needs and interests of learners.

Your Role As Students

I encourage your feedback! Offer your input on how you learn best.

Think about how your parents and teacher can support you in your pursuit of knowledge, skills, and learning goals.

Assist me, your teacher, in developing the structure, routines, learning tasks, and practices needed so our classroom supports the learning of each student and fosters a sense of community.

Your Role As Parents

This pertains to parents of advanced and struggling learners:

Parents, please help me understand your child. Offer insight that will enable me to gain a stronger sense of on your child’s needs. Let’s ensure that we’re on the same page when it comes to your child’s learning and development.

In this differentiated classroom, we will meet your child where they are in terms of learning and further their development in areas/subjects of strength and weakness.

Please be aware that learning and tasks are created with your child’s success in mind.

* Your ongoing communication will provide me with a clearer picture of your child from beginning to end.

I Recognize and Support Your Desire to…

Want the best for your child.

Have your child blossom in a supportive learning environment.

Offer feedback that will help me gain more understanding of your child.

Have high expectations for you child and have them be in a classroom that appropriately challenges their capacity to learn.

As The Teacher I Will…

Perform ongoing assessments and make informed decisions to differentiate instruction.

Support students’ learning step-by-step.

Provide opportunities to increase your understanding.

Support your learning styles, interests, and choice.

Ensure that you grow in independence and demonstrate responsibility over your learning.

Together We Will…

Work to close the achievement gaps so struggling and advanced learners can experience success in learning.

Maintain effective communication and support.

Set individual learning goals and evaluate progress towards them.

Create a classroom environment that supports learning goals for each student.

Students and parents, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding differentiated

instruction in the classroom.

Our communication is key and I would love to hear from you!

Thank you!

Ms. Gadson