Key+Characteristics

Key Characteristics of a Differentiated Classroom


 * Teachers and students accept and respect one another's similarities and difference.
 * Assessment is an ongoing diagnostic activity that guides instruction. Learning tasks are planned and adjusted based on assessment data.
 * All students participate in respectful work-work that is challenging, meaningful, interesting, and engaging.
 * The teacher is primarily a coordinator of time, space, activities, rather than a provider of information. The aim is to help students become self-reliant learners.
 * Students and teachers collaborate in setting class and individual goals.
 * Students work in a variety of group configurations, as well as independently. Flexible grouping is evident.
 * Time is used flexibly in the sense that pacing is varied on student needs.
 * Students often have choices about topics they wish to study, ways they want to work, and how they want to demonstrate their learning.
 * The teacher uses a variety of instructional strategies to help target instruction to student needs.