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differentiation
Not all students learn the same way, at the same pace, and have the same interests.
Differentiation is a process in which learner’s needs, interests and preferences
are met in the classroom. Based on the work of Carol Ann Tomlinson, differentiation
means is doing
“whatever it takes to ensure that struggling and advanced learners, students
with varied cultural heritages, and children with different background experiences
all grow as much as they possibly can each day, each week, and throughout the
year.”
Carol Ann Tomlinson
Meridian School District is committed to maximizing learning through the use of differentiated strategies. Some of the most commonly use techniques include:
| cluster grouping |
flexible grouping | compacting curriculum |
| using multiple intelligences to make meaning from concepts | tiered activities | learning contract
|
| curriculum adjustment | data driven decisions | activities tied to learner's strengths |
RESOURCES:
A basic primer on differentiation terminology and its components can be found
at http://www.cast.org/ncac/index.cfm?i=2876
D’IDEA BANK
The D(ifferentiation) Idea Bank is a series of tips and ideas teachers in our
district have found to be useful. Check back often as new tips are added. It
is located on the school district server at \\Blueberry\public\D' IDEA BANK.