Differentiated instruction is more than a strategy. It is a way of thinking about teaching and learning that utilizes evidence-based practices that meets students where they are at.
If you have ever heard yourself saying, “I tried differentiation and it did not work” or “I have differentiated for my students, but I just do not have time”, it is possible that you are thinking about differentiation as an extra step or more complicated than it might need to be.
Instead, think of differentiation as having a clear focus on student’s academic and social-emotional needs and based upon this understanding……take action. It involves the adjustments you make so all students experience both success and challenge.
Differentiation starts with:
1)Identifying prerequisite skills needed
2) Pre-assessing students prior knowledge and skills
3) Determining the next steps in learning (using assessment data)
