Building a Capacity to Meet Student Needs Through Differentiation
What is Differentiation/ Differentiated Instruction?
Simply stated, differentiated instruction allows each student to learn at the depth, complexity, and pace that is most beneficial to him/her. Differentiating curriculum and instruction is a rich and effective approach to use when providing for the needs of all students, including those with special education needs such as students with learning disabilities, gifted and talented students, and English language learners.
The philosophy of differentiation includes structuring classrooms so that there are provisions for:
Ideas to Spark Differentation
Simply stated, differentiated instruction allows each student to learn at the depth, complexity, and pace that is most beneficial to him/her. Differentiating curriculum and instruction is a rich and effective approach to use when providing for the needs of all students, including those with special education needs such as students with learning disabilities, gifted and talented students, and English language learners.
The philosophy of differentiation includes structuring classrooms so that there are provisions for:
- Different ways to take in, work with, and learn information and different ways for students to show what they know;
- Different amounts of time to complete the work;
- Different approaches due to language acquisition and cultural differences;
- Different levels of thinking, readiness, skills, and/or ability;
- Different assignments for students in the same classroom; and
- Different means to assess what has been learned.
Ideas to Spark Differentation
Types of Interventions
Selected Interventions (Type 1)
EVIDENCE-BASED refers to "instructional interventions with substantial evidence of their effectiveness through multiple outcome evaluations" (Wisconsin DPI, 2011). In other words, programs, strategies, and assessments shown to have had positive outcomes for many students.
Reading Selected Interventions
Selected Interventions
Math Selected Interventions
Targeted Interventions (Type 2)
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH-BASED refers to "Scientific Research that involves the application of rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education activities and programs" (United States Department of Education, 2009). In other words programs, strategies, and assessments shown to be effective in rigorous, scientific studies.
Wisconsin RtI Center Targeted Interventions Database
Purpose - The purpose of the Wisconsin Intensive Interventions Selection Tool is to assist school and district teams in selecting the intensive interventions required for implementing Wisconsin's new specific learning disabilities (SLD) eligibility criteria.
Rationale - This tool is intended to be a resource for school-based IEP teams as they implement Wisconsin's Specific Learning Disabilities Rule. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) enlisted the help of Great Lakes West at American Institutes for Research to develop this resource. While many lists and databases of interventions exist, there are none that specifically align interventions with the eight achievement areas referenced in Wisconsin's SLD rule. As such, IEP teams will be able to use the tool to determine whether the intervention they intend to implement, or have implemented, with a student meets the criteria for being scientific research or evidence based as defined in the SLD rule.
*It is important to note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list and there is no requirement that compels IEP teams to use this tool to determine whether the interventions they are considering meet the criteria in the rule. Further, it is possible for an intervention that meets the criteria as set forth in the SLD rule not to appear on this list. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the IEP team to determine whether the intervention meets the criteria specified in the SLD rule. This tool will be updated periodically and new intervention resources will be added on a semi-regular basis in order to enhance its ongoing utility to IEP teams. Inclusion on, or absence from, this listing of intervention options does not in any way constitute endorsement or recommendation from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Other Website Links for Research-Based Interventions
National Center for Intensive Interventions
National Center on Response to Intervention
National Center for Intensive Interventions
National Center on Response to Intervention