For many years now educators have struggled to come to terms with how we meet the learning needs of all learners in our classrooms. Clearly individual learning plans for every student in every class is not humanly possible. What is possible, though is to follow Carol Ann Tomlinson’s advice about the Key Principles of a Differentiated Classroom. Naturally we take from these principles what we see as priorities, and in my experience the focus is more on student readiness than learning profile.
Continuing my theme of promoting collaboration and professional practice, as opposed to private practice, these principles are an excellent starting point for a team conversation:
- What is respectful work?
- How we ensure we achieve the goal of maximum growth?
- How does the teacher build upon student differences?
- What does it look like in your classroom when students and teachers are collaborators in learning?
- How can we adjust our planning strategies or templates to assist in meeting these key principles?
- What does it look like when assessment and instruction are inseparable?
- What am I/ are we most comfortable in setting as a starting point for next week?
- Who can I engage with in my learning community to assist with this work?
- How do I discuss these principles with my students and their parents?
A Curious Educator 