Unlocking Treasures: Differentiating Instruction for Universal Access

Self-Paced Professional Development for K-6 Elementary Teachers Module 1

Professional Development Module 1 Description

In this professional development module, teachers will learn about differentiating instruction within the Treasures literacy program. This professional development module draws on Dr. Vicki Gibsons model of differentiated instruction.
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Topics An Introduction to Differentiating Instruction for all students Preparing the Classroom Environment Managing Instructional Time Managing Classroom Resources Managing Groups of Students Getting Started
Note: Underlined text links to resources

What is Differentiated Instruction?

Differentiated Instruction IS
Changing WHAT you teach by: Using data to guide instruction Adapting instruction in response to student assessment data.

Differentiated Instruction IS NOT

Teaching one way for all students Making decisions without considering data.

Changing HOW you teach by: Only using whole class instruction OR Using whole class learning activities AND Only using small groups OR Using direct instruction in small groups AND Only using fixed group membership Using flexible student grouping Setting clear expectations Establishing procedures and routines Allowing vague or low expectations Allowing unclear procedures or routines

View Video Clip: Differentiated Instruction View Video Clip: Why Use Differentiated Instruction Read Brief Article: Grouping for Reading Success
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How Do I Differentiate Instruction?

What do I need to do in my classroom? How do I make it work for my classroom and students?

Prepare the Classroom Environment Organize the physical space for use for Differentiated Instruction of multiple workstations Manage Instructional Time Manage Groups of Students Manage Classroom Resources Create a Daily Schedule Create a Rotation Chart Create a Job Chart

Prepare the Classroom Environment

Changes in classroom management and teaching are needed. Prepare for teaching in small groups before students arrive. View Video Clip: Classroom Tools View Video Clip: ExampleManaging Classrooms View Video Clip:
Select video: Teaching Procedures for Communication.

Download: Classroom Environment Checklist

Go to pg. 91, Appendix E4*

*From The Leadership Handbook , a professional development tool published by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. For more information, go to http://epd-mh.com/leadership/

Example Classroom Layout

Example Classroom Layout

Organize classroom for efficient use of multiple workstations. Supplies are located near designated work spaces. Click to View Video Clip: Select video: Developing Different Types of Workstations.

Gibson, V., & Hasbrouck, J. (2011). Differentiating Instruction: Guidelines for Implementation. Wellesley Hills, MA: Gibson Hasbrouck & Associates.

Create a Daily Schedule to Manage Instructional Time

Change daily schedules to support differentiated instruction. Designate flexible blocks of time for whole class and small group activities. Multiple times during day needed for small groups.
View Video Clip: Select video: Partnering in Whole Class Activities. Download: Sample Daily Schedule
Go to Pg. 88, Appendix E1*

Download: Monitoring Instructional Time Checklist

Go to p. 90, Appendix E3*

*From The Leadership Handbook, a professional development tool published by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. For more information, go to http://epd-mh.com/leadership/

Student Groupings are Flexible

Using flexible small groups allows teachers to closely monitor students response to instruction, focus on students learning needs, and assess progress.

Grouping practices : Instructional format

Whole class or Small groups Depends on purpose of instruction Importance of content Available time

Grouping patterns: How student are grouped

Homogeneous (similar skills groupings) best for Teacher-led instruction Heterogeneous (mixed skills groupings) best for Collaborative practice

View Video Clip: Grouping Students View Video Clip: Managing Small Groups
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Gibson, V., & Hasbrouck, J. (2011). Differentiating Instruction: Guidelines for Implementation. Wellesley Hills, MA: Gibson Hasbrouck & Associates. See pages 15-18.

Create a Rotation Chart to Manage Groups of Students

Visually communicate performance expectations to students. A rotation chart helps students know what to do and with whom. Expand options after expectations have been understood by all students. View Video Clip: Small Groups View Video Clip: Rotating Small Groups View Video Clip:
Select video: Allowing Choice within Established Routines.

Download: Sample Rotation Chart

Go to Appendix E2, pg. 89*

Download: Blank Rotation Chart Download: Blank Student Contract

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*From The Leadership Handbook , a professional development tool published by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. For more information, go to http://epd-mh.com/leadership/

Sample Rotation Chart

Small groups are not fixed permanently. Teachers may assign multiple students to visit the teaching table one or more times during the day depending on students learning needs.

11 Gibson, V., & Hasbrouck, J. (2011). Differentiating Instruction: Guidelines for Implementation. Wellesley Hills, MA: Gibson Hasbrouck & Associates.

Treasures Four-Group Rotation Chart

Treasures Student Weekly Contract

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Create a Job Chart to Manage Instructional Resources

Delegate some classroom duties and responsibilities to students. Jobs may vary according to grade level, student capabilities and needs. Download: Blank Job Chart View Video Clip:
Select video Assigning Jobs in the Classroom.

Sample Job Chart

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Gibson, V., & Hasbrouck, J. (2011). Differentiating Instruction: Guidelines for Implementation. Wellesley Hills, MA: Gibson Hasbrouck & Associates.

Additional Resources
Browse: LAUSD Website, Literacy/ELA Page, K-5/6, Treasures Tab Browse: McGraw Hill Website, Treasures Video Library Browse: California Treasures Website, Teachers Tab Browse: California Treasures Video Library by Grade Level, K-6 Download: Getting Started Checklist by Dr. Vicky Gibson Download: Monitoring Classroom Environment Checklist I Download: Monitoring Classroom Environment Checklist II Go to pg. 91, Appendix E4* Read: Differentiated Instruction Go to pgs. 29-34* Read: Differentiated Instruction in Treasures Addendum 1* Read: Instructional Routines in Treasures Addendum 2*
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*From The Leadership Handbook , a professional development tool published by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. For more information, go to http://epd-mh.com/leadership/