Purpose

•  To introduce the workshop and distribute materials

•  To identify the components of a differentiated classroom.

•  To compare and contrast your own belief system about good classroom instruction with the components of a differentiated classroom.

Sessions: Two

Before you begin to examine the text, view the PowerPoint presentation on Curriculum Differentiation, Part I: What is It? Why Do It? by Francine Lamonica (RES).  We have divided the PowerPoint into segments to decrease downloading time and strain on your computer's memory.  You may find it easier and faster to save the PowerPoint to your hard drive and open it from there.  The first part of the presentation explains what differentiation of instruction is and why it is an important strategy to support learning for all students.  Francine used a variety of resources including the work of Carol Ann Tomlinson.  You will be asked to view the section on Pre-Assessment later in this study guide.  The third part of the presentation is provided in the section on instructional practices. 

 

Activity

This activity is intended to be done as a homework assignment following the introductory session conducted with the team on the concept of a differentiated classroom.

Part I:  Read Chapter 1 of the Differentiated Classroom and respond to the following questions in your Response Journal

What are the hallmarks of a differentiated classroom as described in the chapter? To what extent do you agree with these characteristics?

Read the portraits for the grade level you teach.  How do these snapshots compare to your approach to the classroom? Where do you see yourself with respect to these different approaches to the classroom.  This response will serve as a benchmark for how you will answer this question following this professional development experience.

Part II:  Read Chapter 2: The Elements of a Differentiated Classroom.  Click on the Trad./Diff. Continuum and save the file to your hard drive.

Read the chapter to develop your understanding of the elements of differentiated instruction.  Look at Figure 2.2 on page 16.  Do a self assessment by placing a mark on the continuum for those elements that best describe your approach to the classroom. Using this checklist, write a reflective essay in your Response Journal where you present your philosophy of instruction and where you see yourself on a continuum  between the traditional classroom and the differentiated classroom.

Materials

•  View PowerPoint Presentation by Francine Lamonica

•  Distribute text and assign Chapters 1 and 2

•  Distribute Resource Packet of Additional Resources

•  Explain the Response Journal

Outcomes

•  Complete introduction of workshop and distribute materials

•  Conduct a discussion of assignments at the second session.