Key concepts of differentiation include: learning environment, high quality curriculum, assessment, teaching adjustment, and leadership and management. This structure helps teachers think about who their students are and how they can help them learn.
Differentiated instruction helps sixth grade math teacher Laura Smith meet the needs of each student. She creates an invitational learning environment where she shares ownership and responsibility with students, engages them with quality curriculum, and uses frequent, formative assessments to keep track of student progress.
