Differentiation
Notes from Colleen Cruz
Differentiation is NOT:
Quantity based –giving more work to
some and less to those who don’t get it
Starting before we know the students
“Skinny jeans we wore last year may not fit
this year.”
Using the same modifications for
everyone
Limited to struggling students or those
with IEP’s
Constant and forever
Differentiation IS
Qualitative – in the zone of proximal
development (ZPD)
Assessment based
Constantly reviewed and/or revised
Grounded in students’ interests and
learning styles
Based on gradual release of responsibility