Abstract
The paper examines the controversy over the differentiated instruction approach by delineating and discussing the arguments on both sides. Both the pro and the con arguments are described. This is followed by the formulation of conclusions about differentiated instruction that each side would derive based on their differing arguments.

Tags:Differentiated, Instruction, Pros, and, Cons

Abstract
The paper discusses two contrasting theories of education; one that is presented by Plato in his "Republic" and the contemporary method known as differentiated instruction. The paper explains that Plato's streaming focused on the life long prescribed learning of a class of rulers or guardians for his "Republic." The paper then explains that differentiated instruction, by contrast, is a democratically oriented philosophy and method of education in which teachers adapt learning for different students.

From the Paper
"Differentiated Instruction: A form of instruction that seeks to "maximize each student's growth by meeting each student where she is and helping the student to progress. In practice, it involves offering several different learning experiences in response to students' varied needs. Learning activities and materials may be varied by difficulty to challenge students at different readiness levels, by topic in response to students' interests, and by students' preferred ways of learning or expressing themselves" (Kiernan as cited in ASCD, 2007).

Tags:differentiated, curriculum, streaming

Abstract
The paper explores how the superintendent can develop a comprehensive plan for differentiation of instruction. The paper defines differentiated instruction and looks at the various methods of differentiated instruction in the classroom as well as the role of the public, teachers, administrators and/or others in developing the planning process. The paper discusses how it is the responsibility of the superintendent to make sure that all teachers are on the receiving end of the proper professional development to effectively incorporate and implement differentiated instruction into the school's classrooms.

Outline:
Objective
Definition of Differentiated Instruction
Methods of Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
Professional Development and Differentiated Instruction
Assistive Technology and Differentiated Instruction
Role of Superintendent in Differentiated Instruction
Needs Assessment
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"In order to understand what is specifically needed in the area of professional development by the teachers in a school district, a needs assessment can be conducted and is suggested in the work entitled: "Empowering Students to Succeed" to be integral to the implementation of differentiated instruction that is successful in assisting and supporting the learning of students and the differentiation of classroom instruction.
"For example, it is reported that the school system in the study being reported found in its needs assessment on differentiated learning that the teachers in the study were found "following a series of focus groups involving K-12 staff and administration to have a need to "gain knowledge and understanding of key concepts of differentiated instruction. (ELL Students and Special Needs Students).
"The performance indicators stated were "By August 2006, 15% of staff members will have participated in professional developing dealing with ELL and special needs students in the regular classroom." (2008) Therefore, it is important that in the process of differentiated instruction that the teachers and administrators participate in focus groups for the purpose of identifying the specific areas that are in need of professional development to support classroom differentiation in learning."

Tags:needs, assessment, students, classroom

Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of differentiated instruction in the classroom. The paper contends that the success of differentiated instruction rests ultimately in the hands of teachers who, for better or for worse, will decide its fate. The paper explains that the attention that teachers find in the use of differentiated instruction is a direct result of actual use of the program's constituent elements. If differentiated instruction serves teachers well and provides them with both the growth in student understanding and concept mastery that they desire, along with the achievement of standardized testing accomplishment, teachers will rally around the idea and see that it is promoted.

Outline
Introduction and Statement of Problem
What is Differentiated Instruction?
Why is it so Important in Today's Classroom?
What is Keeping Teachers from Using Differentiated Instruction?
Encouraging more Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
Examples of Successful Differentiation
High School Differentiation
District Wide Differentiation
High School Algebra II Differentiation
1st Grade Differentiation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The differentiation and variety that are but some of the special qualities of humanity too often are lost in the demand for higher scores, better results and more efficient techniques. The gap that exists between the cold, mechanical apparatus of standardized education and the infinitely varying nature of the child results in a theft from society of the educated progeny that it so desperately needs and of the joy and ecstasy of the learning process that children should be enjoying. In many ways "[T]he urgent drives out the important; the future goes largely unexplored; and the capacity to act, rather than the capacity to think and imagine becomes the sole measure for leadership." (Davies 196) This as true for business CEOs as it for those who are charged with the noble and awesome responsibility of educating the nation's young. Worse yet, the gap between true educational success and the call by the unfeeling standardizing machine seem to be growing wider. But a method capable of closing this gap and preventing the losses that society and children so often experience may be nearer than many educators had supposed."

Tags:teachers, students, standardized, tests

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts Socrates' differentiated instruction with Plato's streaming in education. The paper analyzes each method of learning individually and discusses how it is applied in the school system. The paper also provides examples of these methods of learning. It concludes that the argument for differentiated instruction is stronger in today's western society, which is focused on the rights of individuals.

Table of Contents:
Differentiated Instruction
Streaming

From the Paper
"They may also have chosen a specialized course of study and/or selected a profession in which differentiation may be either difficult or at odds with the needs of that profession. For example someone studying to be a surgeon must master a set a specific skills and content. He or she must know the muscles, nerves, internal organs, a great deal of chemistry and also simple skills like how to bandage a wound! There may be limits to how much "differentiation" an instructor can give at this level. While we might not consider the Socratic method the most efficient way to present much of the highly technical information to be learned in today's world, one might agree that there is a scope and sequence to becoming a doctor - a life time learning schedule not totally different from what Plato envisioned."

Tags:streamline, schooling, learning

Abstract
This paper reviews the basic philosophy and principles of the concept of differentiated learning for students. The paper also provides a personal interpretation of the idea, as well as suggestions for putting differentiated learning into practice in the classroom.

Outline:
Introduction: My philosophy of Inclusion
My Philosophy of Differentiating Instruction
The Instructional Strategies I would use in my Classroom
The Behavior Management I would use in my Classroom
Lesson Plan
Conclusion

From the Paper
"One of the most effective aspects of using group learning techniques is that it forces students to take responsibility not just for their own grades and learning, but for the performance of their fellow students. Students would be graded upon their own, individual contributions, but they could not let down their fellow group participants. They would have to complete their task, and as the task was within their framework of ability, this would not seem too daunting. Another suggested method of behavior management to ensure student compliance with assignments is to instate a points system, whereby a student can earn a maximum number of points for performing specific diverse tasks relating to a unit, which they can select themselves and tailor to their own interests and levels of ability."

Tags:responsibility, react, responsively, multiple, paths, cooperative, learning

Abstract
The paper explains that the focus of differentiated instruction is to maximize each student's success by meeting each student's needs and assisting them in the learning process. The paper discusses the developing of the curriculum, the planning of the instruction and the descision on the type of assessment or test process to be used. The paper shows how differentiated instruction allows the teacher to respond to the learning differences of each individual third grade student.

From the Paper
"The content is the topic that will be taught while the process is how the curriculum will be planned and implemented and how students will be grouped or if they will be expected to perform individually. The product is the evaluation process to assess the skill level of the students. In order for differentiated instruction to be successful all three elements of curriculum must be present. In order for these three elements to be present in the curriculum the teacher and differential instruction to be successful there must first be a pre-assessment process and the assessor must first take into consideration state and local curriculum requirements as well as the individual learning abilities of the student, interest, experiences, and abilities.
"When developing differential curriculum strategies for the third grade students the instructor must assess the strengths and learning needs of the student before developing the curriculum. When developing the content of the differentiated instruction for the third grade student the instructor must decide what and how the information will be given to the student. The instructor can plan to have students read, write, or actively participate in the learning process and develop the steps that will be used to apply this information."

Tags:curriculum, testing, abilities

Abstract
The paper is a research proposal that suggests that many students within a normal classroom, fail to receive instruction that fits their unique and specific needs as the majority of teachers use the direct instruction approach. The proposal seeks to examine the use of differential instruction as a means of addressing the different need and levels of individual students and thereby improving standards and achievements. The research will concentrate on the science classes in grades 9-12 and implementation of differentiated instruction over a period of one semester of the school year. The paper includes a review of current literature and one table.

Outline:
Chapter One
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Background of the Study
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Terms & Definitions
Chapter Two
Literature Review
Chapter Three
Action Research Proposal
Bibliography

From the Paper
"As already stated in the beginning of this work, the purpose of this project is to determine the relationship between measures of student achievements in science classes in grades 9-12 and implementation of differentiated instruction over a period of one semester of the school year. Inquiry in this study will begin by first getting to know the students and attempting to understand how they differ from one another in terms of their interesting, learning preferences and readiness. Information will also be gathered and reviewed concerning the academic histories of the students. Next, a profile sheet will be created for each student. The profile sheets will be used to record past, current and ongoing academic progress for the students.
"The students will be asked to fill out an Interest Inventory which will assist the researcher is knowing the students and their interests better. Additionally a survey will be used in which students will be asked to read a list of projects and to choose the projects that they prefer to complete as a method of showing what they have learned. This list will be compatible to Gardner's eight intelligences however, the list will not be identified in this manner. This will assist the researcher in understanding which students enjoy individual work and which students rather work in a group or with a partner."

Tags:classroom, achievement, learning, teaching, professionalism, assignments

Abstract
This paper examines how, by differentiating instruction, the educator can recognize that learners vary in their background, experience, intelligence, knowledge, language, interests, learning styles and unique abilities. It looks at how differentiated instruction provides an approach to learning tailored to individuals of differing capabilities in the same classroom.

From the Paper
"Tomlinson explains that classrooms have not changed much over the past century. Teachers still act as if all children of a certain age are at the same level of learning and have similar backgrounds and interests. Also, the schools believe that all students must complete the assignments and projects and the same time. Thus, each student uses the same text book, reads the same sections, answers the same questions and takes the same tests. Grading and assessment is similar for each pupil, as well, despite the differences in abilities and interests among the students. "

Tags:children, level, instruction

Abstract
The paper relates that children vary in their ability to acquire information and have different learning styles. The paper examines the tool of differentiating instruction, which means developing multiple avenues of learning, so students with different abilities, interests or educational needs have the opportunity to equally absorb, develop and present concepts and information. The paper explores how differentiated instruction can be incorporated into the reading, writing and speaking curricula.

From the Paper
"According to Carol Ann Tomlinson, a specialist in the field of differentiated learning, teachers can best utilize three areas of the curriculum to develop a more flexible curriculum: content, process, and products. Content refers to the concepts, principles, and skills teachers want students to learn. Everyone should have access to the core content: Give struggling learners the same major ideas as their classmates, but adjust the degree of complexity. Teachers can explain the same concept, such as Shakespearean sonnets, to a very young child or a Ph.D. candidate."

Tags:content, process, products, literacy, curriculum, motivation