Integrating Depth & Complexity, Content Imperatives, & Universal Themes

An Interactive Approach to Differentiating Instruction Across Content Areas

By Cynthia Kirk

“Kick It Up a Notch:”

Differentiating to Meet

the Needs of ALL Students

Use of the Icons of Depth & Complexity and the Content Imperatives

Empowering

$ Analyzing & Critical Thinking Skills

Open-endedTieredBenefits English Language Learners

Benefits Students with Special Needs

Introducing Multiple Icons

Art Opera

Effective Use of the Icons

PostersIntroductionReference ToolsGroup Instruction

Graphic OrganizersOpen-endedVersatile

Allows for IntegrationIndependent, Partner, Small Group Instruction

Language of the Discipline

History Terms

Parts of Speech

Content Area Vocabulary

Across Curricular Areas

Natural OverlapNovelsShort StoriesBiographies

CharacterizationAuthor’s

Perspective/Voice

View of History

Flap Book & Writing

Reader’s Response Menu

Going Across Content Areas

Song Lyrics: Contemporary or Dated

Brain BenderI am a “Jack of all Trades, Master of none.”Like other highly-qualified professionals,

my income and public reverence improve as my expertise increases.

My job is so easy because the work I do is handed to me by my boss.

According to one state governor, all I have to do is “show up” to do my job.

I only work about 7 hours each day and 6 months per year.

I am just a “glorified babysitter.”

Content Imperatives

• Authors

• Artists

• Composers

• Brain Benders

• Research Project

• Why? Why not?

Combining Depth & Complexity with Content

Imperatives

AnalyzingChallengingCritical Thinking & Synthesizing

Possibilities: D & C Combined with CI

Significant Events in History:Rise/Fall of the

Roman EmpireRise/Fall of Nazi

GermanyUsing Depth & Complexity:

Framing Ideas

Universal ThemesChangeConflictOrder vs. ChaosPatternsPowerStructureSystemsRelationships

Differentiation by Layering Instruction Combine D & C with a CICombine D & C with a UTCombine CI with a UTCombine D & C, CI, under the

umbrella of a UT

FYIContact Info:

J. Taylor Educationjtayloreducation.com

Respect,

Empower,

Inspire…

not only your students but also yourself…

for you are far more influential than you might believe.