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How and Why to Differentiate Instruction Responding to the needs of all learners is at the heart of differentiated instruction. Carol Ann Tomlinson has written no fewer than three books, published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, on Differentiated Instruction. She maintains that the challenges today's teachers face are not that much different than that of the teacher in a one-room school house:"how to reach out effectively to students who span the spectrum of learning readiness, personal interests, culturally shaped ways of seeing and speaking of the world, and experiences in that world." (Tomlinson, 1999) Multiple intelligences are a reality, and children differ in the ways in which they learn best. One of the most important responsibilities facing teachers today is to determine how each child in their classroom learns the best. Once they have discovered students'strengths, they must design lessons that will meet the needs of each child. A differentiated classroom focuses on the essentials and attends to student differences. Instruction and assessment are inseparable and the teacher modifies content, process, and products. "Differentiation is an organized yet flexible way of proactively adjusting teaching and learning to meet kids where they are and help them to achieve maximum growth as learners." (Tomlinson, 1999) I hope that you find some time to research this important aspect of teaching. I am providing you with suggested readings and web sites dedicated to differentiated instruction. I would appreciate your comments, suggestions and ideas. Differentiated Instruction Links Technology Gate/Extended Allentown Instructional and Management Practices Differentiated Resources Curriculum Differentiation Teachers Room More Resources Preparing Teachers How to Plan Mixed Ability Classrooms Sample Lessons Articles and Sites Leaders

Suggested Readings How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms, Tomlinson, C., (2001), ASCD, Alexandria, VA Leadership for Differentiating Schools and Classrooms Tomlinson, C. and Demirski-Allan, S. (2000), ASCD Alexandria, VA The Differentiated Classroom:Responding to the Needs of All Learners Tomlinson, C. (1999), ASCD, Alexandria, VA Emotional Intelligence Goldman, D.(1997) Classroom Instruction that Works, Marzano, R., Pickering, D., Pollock, J., ASCD, Alexandra, VA 2001 Differentiated Instruction Links Teachnology