Walking the Talk:A Differentiated Journey
with Differentiation
Leslie GrahnWorld Language Resource
TeacherHCPSS
Why Differentiated Instruction for HCPSS World
Languages?Increased access of middle school
students to World LanguagesNeed to differentiate in combined
classes between regular and honors courses and between levels
Emphasis on knowing the learner
Development of a theme
Making connectionsA perfect fit, not an add-on
Differentiation +
HCPSS Vision
Differentiation + Cultural Proficiency
Assess cultureValue diversity
Manage the dynamics of difference
Adapt to diversityInstitutionalize cultural
knowledge
Differentiation +Culturally Responsive
TeachingUnderstand how learners construct
knowledgeLearn about students’ livesBe socioculturally consciousHold affirming views about diversityUse appropriate instructional
strategiesAdvocate for all students
Differentiation +Plan-Do-Study-Act
Putting Support Systems into Place
Role Modeling
Differentiation strategies
World Language Document Repository
Intranet Pages
Online resources
Differentiation buddies
2008-2009 Challenges
Realizing staff were at varying points in DI journey
“Keeping the ball rolling”Becoming greener
Essential QuestionsHow can I model differentiation in
my professional development efforts here in Howard County and beyond?
How can I “walk the talk”?
What about…?
The birth of the Dare to Differentiate wiki
Dare to Differentiate Wiki today
Technology widens choices for adult learners
Based on participants’ varied• readiness levels• interests• learning preferences
For PD delivery models:• in person• remote• synchronous• asynchronous
Choice + ExpectationsFollow-up possibilities:• share at department meeting• submit a product for the WL DR• submit a discussion posting on the wiki
Self Assessment & Reflection
Let’s take a tour
daretodifferentiate.wikispaces.com
Homepage
Discussion Page
Feedback page
Google Forms Table & Summary
Idea Sharing Page
Using technology for data collection
The option I chose for the February 26th Professional Development was
I appreciated having choices.
As a result of my work on November 24th and on February 26th, I have deepened my
knowledge about differentiated instruction.
I believe that my work in differentiation this year will
Ever-changing sets of learners drive changes in
wikiHCPSS MS and HS WL teachers
HCPSS K-12 School-based and Central Office staff
HCPSS Elementary & Secondary Curricular Programs
K-16 WL teachers across region and nation
District WL Supervisors from across nation
Leadership for Differentiation
DI Professional Development
Tools
Follow-up after presentations
Ripples of Influence
Wiki Members
Wiki Web Citings
Wiki Statistics- April 2009
Wiki Statistics- May 2009
International Wiki VisitorsApril-June 2009
USAArgentinaAustraliaCanadaGreat BritainGreeceGuamIndonesiaIran
KuwaitMexicoPakistanQatarSenegalThailandTunisiaUnited Arab
Emirates
Dare to Differentiate Presentation Participants
Plus: Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, Ontario, Germany, Japan, and Russia
Tomlinson’s Non-Negotiables of Differentiation
Supportive learning environmentContinuous assessmentHigh-quality curriculumRespectful tasksFlexible grouping
Supportive learning environment & Flexible
groupingHigh expectations, continuity, and accountability Opportunities to collaborate- in person and virtuallySupport systemChoice
Continuous Assessment
Collect data about learnersUse technology to collect feedbackSelf-assessment and reflective
practiceConsultation with tech
professionalsContinuity and follow-up
High Quality CurriculumIn a variety of mediaHigh expectations and continuity
communicate valueDeepening understandings paired
with applicationEasily accessible
Respectful tasks
Attending to adult learner needs
Providing choicesDifferentiating PD
experiencesAllowing for learning
profile and readiness differences
My insights1. Synchronous and asynchronous and
in-person and remote professional development all can be effective.
2. Learners appreciate choices.3. Technology tools can be used to
“bridge the gap” between levels of experience, geography, learning preferences, and time limitations.
The journey continues…
All images unless otherwise indicated taken from Microsoft Clipart Gallery
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx