How do you align differentiated instruction with your subject and grade?

1 Know your standards

The first step to align differentiated instruction with your subject and grade is to identify the learning goals and expectations for your students based on the curriculum standards. What do you want your students to know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the unit or lesson? How will you measure their progress and mastery? Knowing your standards will help you design appropriate tasks, assessments, and scaffolds for different levels of learners.

2 Know your students

The second step to align differentiated instruction with your subject and grade is to gather information about your students' strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning preferences. You can use formal and informal assessments, surveys, interviews, observations, and portfolios to collect data about your students' readiness, learning styles, multiple intelligences, and motivation. Knowing your students will help you tailor the content, process, and product of your instruction to meet their individual needs and goals.

3 Know your options

The third step to align differentiated instruction with your subject and grade is to explore the various ways you can differentiate your instruction based on the data you collected. You can differentiate the content by modifying the level, complexity, or pace of the material; the process by offering different methods, strategies, or resources for learning; and the product by allowing different modes, formats, or criteria for demonstrating learning. You can also differentiate the learning environment by adjusting the physical space, grouping arrangements, or classroom climate. Knowing your options will help you create flexible and engaging learning experiences for your students.

4 Know your balance

The fourth step to align differentiated instruction with your subject and grade is to find a balance between differentiation and standardization. You do not have to differentiate every aspect of every lesson, nor do you have to ignore the common core or the grade-level expectations. You can use a mix of whole-class, small-group, and individual instruction, as well as a variety of assessment tools and strategies. You can also use differentiation as a way of scaffolding and supporting your students to reach the same high expectations, rather than lowering or raising the bar for some. Knowing your balance will help you maintain rigor and coherence in your instruction.

5 Know your resources

The fifth step to align differentiated instruction with your subject and grade is to seek and use the resources that are available to you. You do not have to reinvent the wheel or do everything on your own. You can use existing materials, such as textbooks, worksheets, online platforms, or games, and adapt them to suit different learners. You can also collaborate with your colleagues, mentors, or experts, and share ideas, feedback, or best practices. You can also tap into your students' resources, such as their prior knowledge, experiences, or interests, and use them as a springboard for learning. Knowing your resources will help you save time and energy in your instruction.

6 Know your reflection

The sixth and final step to align differentiated instruction with your subject and grade is to reflect on your practice and evaluate its effectiveness. You can use data from your assessments, observations, or feedback to monitor your students' progress and achievement, as well as your own strengths and areas for improvement. You can also use reflection as a way of celebrating your successes, identifying your challenges, and setting your goals for future learning. Knowing your reflection will help you grow and improve as a teacher of differentiated instruction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?