Differentiated Instruction

Education news, analysis, and opinion about techniques and adaptations to instruct students with diverse learning needs in the same classroom

Explainer

Differentiated Instruction: A Primer
Definitions vary for differentiated instruction, a popular approach for teaching children with a range of academic strengths and interests.
Jacqueline Chaney ask her 2nd graders a question during class at New Town Elementary School in Owings Mills, Md., on Oct. 25, 2023.
Jacqueline Chaney ask her 2nd graders a question during class at New Town Elementary School in Owings Mills, Md., on Oct. 25, 2023.
Jaclyn Borowski/Education Week
Teaching Profession The State of Teaching The 'Difficult, Beautiful' Work of Teaching
From sunup to sundown, America's teachers grapple with countless decisions, interruptions, joys, and frustrations.
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Differentiated Instruction Isn't Easy. But It's Not Impossible
The teaching method takes time and patience, and it needs to be tailored to fit the needs of each student.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 9, 2024
13 min read
Teaching Spotlight Spotlight on Differentiated Learning
This Spotlight will empower you with tech advice for accelerated learning, five ways to differentiate instruction online, and more.
January 5, 2024
Elementary age boy using computer.
E+ / Getty
Classroom Technology Q&A This School Leader Believes AI Could Transform Education for Students With Dyslexia
AI could revolutionize how people with dyslexia navigate K-12 schools, said a school leader who works with children with the condition.
Alyson Klein, November 22, 2023
3 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Does Successful Differentiated Instruction Look Like in the Classroom?
Many teachers struggle to adapt lessons, believing they lack resources, planning time, and classroom-management support. They don't need to.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 16, 2023
16 min read
Photo of a smiling male teacher giving a high-five to his smiling elementary school student who is seated at a classroom desk in a row with other students.
E+
Special Education Educators Share Advice on Supporting Students With Learning Differences
Students with learning differences benefit from flexibility, inclusivity, and clear communication, educators said.
Hayley Hardison & Evie Blad, September 26, 2023
3 min read
Two elementary age school children leaning in to read a book. Young blonde Caucasian girl is wearing a pink top and young Asian brunette girl is wearing a blue button-up blouse.
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Reading & Literacy Download An Evidence-Based Approach to Classroom Reading Groups
Leveled reading groups aren't the most effective way to support student needs—but that doesn't mean avoiding grouping altogether.
Sarah Schwartz & Laura Baker, August 24, 2023
1 min read
Point Roberts Elementary School teacher Jessie Hettinga works with a group of first, second and third graders on reading at the school in Point Roberts, Wa., on Sept. 28, 2017.
Point Roberts Elementary School teacher Jessie Hettinga works with a group of first, second, and third graders on reading at the school in Point Roberts, Wash., on Sept. 28, 2017.
Philip A. Dwyer/The Bellingham Herald via AP
Reading & Literacy Classroom Reading Groups: What Works and What Doesn't
Studies show that leveled reading groups don't support struggling students. So what should grouping look like in the reading classroom?
Sarah Schwartz, August 15, 2023
10 min read
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Adam Niklewicz for Education Week
Teaching What the Research Says Learning Acceleration: A Resource Guide
See more than two dozen resources on accelerating students' learning from Education Week's new mini-course on that topic.
Sarah D. Sparks, May 2, 2023
2 min read
Teaching Spotlight Spotlight on Differentiated Learning
This Spotlight will help you evaluate differentiated instruction methods, create equitable gifted and talented programs, and more.
May 1, 2023
Teaching Opinion Differentiated Instruction Doesn't Need to Be a Heavy Lift
Sometimes adapting instruction is just about making decisions in the moment to reach all students, regardless of their gifts or challenges.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 22, 2022
3 min read
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Teaching Opinion Q&A Collections: Differentiating Instruction
Posts and videos from the past 10 years offering practical suggestions on differentiating instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 3, 2021
4 min read
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Teaching Opinion Four Favorite Physical Education Instructional Strategies—Recommended by Teachers!
Differentiated instruction is among the favorite strategies three educators employ in teaching physical education.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 24, 2021
9 min read
Education Opinion Q&A Collections: Differentiating Instruction
All Classroom Q&A posts on Differentiating Instruction (from the past nine years!) are described and linked to in this compilation post.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 1, 2020
4 min read