mixitupdifferentiation

Training

A most important with regards to training is to have it as on-going professional development with follow-up. A recommendation is for it to be held at least monthly - whether trainings or staff meetings to share - for at least one year.

A methodical and systematic way would be:
1. Have an initial overview of differentiation with introduction of one easy, low-prep ("Easy Ways to Begin") strategy for teachers to take and try in their classrooms. Also discuss the philosophy that is needed and how differentiation correlates with the RtI process.
2. Teachers plan and implement a lesson with an easy, low-prep strategy. A good idea is for teachers to conduct some action research as they implement the lesson in terms of student engagement and student learning.
2. Teachers meet to discuss how the implementation of the one strategy worked and what they might modify, if anything, for the next time.
3. Introduction of another strategy for teachers to try and consideration of related resources. There are so many strategies - there needs to be careful thought of how many to introduce at one time. Remember also, one size doesn't fit teachers as well.
4. Teachers meet to discuss how the implementation of the one strategy worked and what they might modify.
5. Continuation of steps 2-4. Depending where teachers are in their knowledge of instructional design, introduction of the lesson/unit planning model needs to be presented and discussed. Please remember, all differentiated lesson design begins with "what do I want my students to know and be able to do?"

In addition, there needs to be discussion about information to disseminate to parents and also how grading systems might need to be altered to accommodate the assessment/evaluation of students according to readiness. Peer observation during a differentiated activity is also a suggestion.