Part 2/18 - Hallmarks of a Differentiated Classroom

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There are 9 Hallmarks (or key components) of a Differentiated Classroom. These characteristics are principles that need to be present in order for a properly differentiated class to exist. They all need to be present during all hours of the class, in order to be fully effective. These 9 features are not easy to accomplish all at once, but I know it is important to have all of them in action if you are truly going to meet your students' individual needs. Let's discuss each one:

1. A strong link between assessment and instruction. 

WE  CAN'T ASSESS THINGS WE AREN'T TEACHING. We must assess students knowledge continually, formative is an ongoing, hourly assessment. Summative is important too, it just doesn't happen as constantly as formative does. We must adjust our instruction based on those assessments.

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. 

If you are clear in what you need from the class, then you can begin to focus on their understanding and their needs to make goals. 

3. Shared responsibility for the classroom is between teacher and students, in the goal of making it work for everyone. 

We aren't teaching rocks. These are people, small people, but people none-the-less. They have opinions and interests and they want to have a good day just as much as you do. Let them have a say, let them contribute. Let the classroom be a place were they feel comfortable and safe. They can make mistakes and learn. Additionally, the teacher needs to be ready to learn from students as well. 

4. Individual growth is emphasized as central to classroom success.

Progress is key. We are here to improve and help each other improve! We want to be challenged, but not excessively, just enough to push us. We don't compare or compete, unless it's with ourselves and our own personal growth!

5. A "way up," usually through multiple and varied pathways, and never a "way out."

This one is my favorite, I briefly discussed a similar concept in my last post. Our classroom helps students to stretch and grow in their knowledge. We, as teachers, must teach up to them, not down. We must scaffold and support them. 

6. "Respectful" and engaging work for all students.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference." ~Robert Frost. Many students need to take different pathways. We can't all take the same path or even go the same pace. Work must be high quality, inviting, important, and involve our highest level of thinking. However, in the end we all have the same objective to reach, we just have to get there different ways. 

7. Proactive thinking and planning for different pathways.

Plan in advance for lots of pathways! Be ready to adjust or open a new pathway based on needs that students are expressing. 

8. Flexible grouping.

There are many ways to group and all will be needed at some points in time. You group based off of similar interest, close level, far-apart level (for assistance), mixed group for showing each other new ways of thinking. Using different groups helps set up a balance in the classroom. 

9. Flexible use of time, space, and materials. 

Have a classroom set up in such a way that you can do a variety of different activities. Be ready to get all sorts of materials for different reasons for the students. If someone needs more time or less, be flexible. Make it all work for everyone.

That is a lot of information to take in and observe, then to apply!! Honestly, I am terrified of not being able to do all of this because I want to do all of this so bad. I want to help my students help themselves to find their own pathways and I want to give them the tools to progress down that pathway whatever it may be so that we can all meet our goals. I am already excited to feel their excitement when they make a connection or finally get something. There is nothing that can stop me from doing everything I can to feel that feeling. I want it more than anything and I know differentiating my classroom will give me and them the greatest opportunity to feel that excitement of learning. Each student deserves to have fun in the process of understanding. 

Let's go Differentiate!! :)