Differentiated Instruction

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

Explainer

In this 2014 photo, 6th graders Willyum Oliver and Michael James (from left) discuss a math performance task during class at Whittemore Park Middle School in Conway, S.C.. The software students are using helps teachers at Whittemore Park differentiate instruction.
Differentiated Instruction: A Primer
Definitions vary for differentiated instruction, a popular approach for teaching children with a range of academic strengths and interests.
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Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
English Learners Opinion Teaching English Learners Is Complex. Here Are Some Tested Strategies
Teachers can start by shifting how we think about language development.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 28, 2025
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10 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion The Ins and Outs of Effective Culturally Responsive Teaching
Understanding different cultures is a skill all students need.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 25, 2025
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12 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion How Can Teachers Meet Their Many Challenges?
If the education system focused on students' strengths instead of weaknesses, teachers and students alike would benefit.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 15, 2025
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10 min read
Photo collage of two teachers working on laptop computer.
Education Week + Getty
Artificial Intelligence From Our Research Center Here’s How Teachers Are Using AI to Save Time
Forty ways teachers are using artificial intelligence to make their jobs easier.
Madeline Will, February 14, 2025
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2 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Tips for Making Differentiated Instruction Manageable
"Planning backward" and other tips for the successful implementation of this teaching technique.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 5, 2024
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7 min read
Diverse group of students sitting on chairs looking away at an abstract background.
iStock/Getty Images + Education Week
Equity & Diversity Opinion We Can End Academic Tracking Fast—Or We Can Do It Right
Eliminating ability grouping can give students better opportunities, but teachers must be ready to get students to grade-level standards.
Miriam Plotinsky, June 14, 2024
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5 min read
Mon., May 20, 2024, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
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Join us as we break down how differentiated instruction can advance your school’s literacy and equity goals.
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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, 2024 Edition The 'Difficult, Beautiful' Work of Teaching
From sunup to sundown, America's teachers grapple with countless decisions, interruptions, joys, and frustrations.
Madeline Will, Elizabeth Heubeck, Ileana Najarro, Arianna Prothero & Sarah Schwartz, March 6, 2024
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26 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
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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
Artificial Intelligence 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
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3 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
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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
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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.
E+/Getty
Reading & Literacy Download An Evidence-Based Approach to Classroom Reading Groups (Download)
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
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1 min read
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