Some Insights...

Differentiation can be defined in a classroom by eight traits. A truly differentiating teacher needs to have most if not all these traits in their classroom. These traits, known as Hallmarks, provide the essential characteristics a differentiating classroom has.

Hallmarks

1. A strong LINK between assessment and instruction. These two are inseparably from each other, they create a strong CHAIN in the differentiated classroom. The links of that chain are: 

• assessing students knowledge, understanding, and skill in the both formal and informal ways
• Making ongoing adjustments to instructional plans to ensure progression towards individual and group goals.
2. Absolute CLARITY about what the teacher WANTS the students to know, understand, and be able to do - about what is truly important to learn in this unit. Here is the time to give clear instructions so teachers can focus on essential learning goals, but with varying degrees of complexity. BE CLEAR!!
3. Shared RESPONSIBILITY for the classroom is between TEACHER and STUDENTS, in the goal of making it work for everyone. Like a ant farm, every member of the colony makes a contribution.
   
   Even the smallest addition is important to the bigger picture. It's a cycle of teacher helping students and students providing important contributions. With out the second Hallmark this one can not happen!
4. Individual GROWTH is emphasized as central to classroom success. The teacher acts as a gardener to their grove of flowers. Each flower is different and unique, but they each act as an important member of the garden. The teacher needs to provide all they need (a good home, water, sunlight) so that each flower can grow. But it's also the responsibility of the other flowers to help support those that are not at their best for the time being.
   
5. A "WAY UP" usually through multiple and varied pathways, and never a "WAY OUT". A differentiated task in the classroom is to provide a support system that helps students "navigate" the unknown parts of their work/world. This means teachers need to "teach up" (scaffolding) and not "teach down" to students. At least offer two different options that can happen in the classroom.
   
6. "Respectful" and EGNAGING WORK for all students. Differentiation is finding those pathways each child can learn best on. A teacher needs to aim for the same goal, but the way there will be unique for all students.
   
   Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the porridge chair and beds each needed to be specific for her. the porridge can be linked to what students take in and the chair can be linked to how they act.
7. FLEXIBLE grouping. Provide a variety of groups for students through out the day. They need to learn to work with other students and can meet more of their needs. It gives them more of a purpose in the class if they can be part of many different things.
8. FLEXIBLE use of time, space, and materials. Arrange the classroom that will most beneficial to the whole class.

All of these Hallmarks provide useful tools and important aspects of a differentiated classroom.

"Fair is not everyone getting the same, but fair is everyone getting what they need"

 

Insights from an insightful teacher!

The final part of the post I want to talk about another Differentiating blog written by the darling Leslie! She posts the cutest quotes. Her posts are quick and to the point, she only says what she deems important. She posted about setting your expectations high for your students. Don't underestimate your students they will surprise you. Encourage them and let them know you believe in their abilities! One quote I thought was beautiful from her blog was one by Thomas Jefferson.

Leslie I hope you know that I think you are fabulous and are going to make a FANTASTIC teacher!