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Differentiated Instruction: "Differentiated instruction is the practice of adapting lessons and teaching techniques to meet the various needs of the individual students in a class. “The model of differentiated instruction requires teachers to be flexible in their approach to teaching and adjust the curriculum and presentation of information to learners rather than expecting students to modify themselves for the curriculum." (Hall, Strangman & Meyer, 2003,para. 1). A typical classroom is composed of students who perform at grade level, students identified as TAG, students with special needs and students still learning English. An effective teacher needs to draw upon multiple resources and employ multiple strategies rather than adhere to a single, “one size fits all," approach."
 * What are current trends in differentiated instruction for math and science? **

__Peer Tutoring and Cooperative Learning __ *Can be used for both math and science *** Instructional issues regarding using Peer Tutoring and Cooperative Learning for diverse learners ** - Although peer tutoring and cooperative learning have numerous benefits for diverse learners, not all students that are capable of peer tutoring are willing to participate or have the patience to tutor. ***Strategy Subject Appropriateness -** According to the Access Center (2004), studies has proven that peer tutoring and cooperative learning “is an economically and educationally effective intervention for persons with disabilities that can benefit both the tutor and tutee, socially and educationally by motivating them to learn” and are “more effective or showed greater gains for: a) students in grades 1-3; b) urban settings; c) low socio-economic areas; d) minority students; e) school-wide prevention programs; and f) when students controlled tutoring sessions.” ("Reading Rockets", 2004) __Centers and Stations __


 * * ** Can be used for both math and science
 * * Instructional issues regarding using centers or stations for diverse learners** – A few issues when creating math centers is that as a teacher, you are only one person. It is very difficult to make sure that all students understand the concept and the task at each station until you circle the room. Stations may need to be changed frequently and groups may need to change frequently. Some students are able to grasp the concepts quicker than others. Modified centers for differentiating instruction will be helpful in both Math and Science Centers.
 * Strategy Subject Appropriateness -** Centers are a great way for students to learn by doing and practicing. It allows students to work in groups, therefore, aiding in their social maturity. Centers can be adjusted to fit any students learning abilities from students with special needs to students that may be gifted and talented and can also be adjusted to any subject and is especially helpful with math and science. Centers can be a way to perform informal assessments in which will benefit the teacher and the students.

__Tiering/ Tiering Assessments __


 * Can be used for both math and science
 * Instructional issues regarding using Tiering for diverse learners-** Tiering requires the teacher to know the what the student already knows. This may be difficult if the class size is large. Tiering also requires the teacher to create several assignments to reach each students level for any given lesson. This could be overwhelming with other duties that the teacher is required to fulfill.
 * Strategy Subject Appropriateness-** Tiering is a great teaching method for math and science because the students can learn based on their appropriate learning level and then increase at their own rate. Tiering, like centers, can be adjusted to fit any learning ability and can be helpful with difficult science or math concepts.

__Choice Boards and Organizers __


 * Can be used for both math and science


 * Instructional issues regarding using Choice Boards and Organizers for diverse learners-** "Differentiation is a philosophy, and the Think-Tac-Toe provides us with a strategy for enacting this philosophy in instruction. By designing a unit grounded in choice, we allow students to become agents in their own learning and increase their motivation for learning in the classroom." (Dotger and Causton-Thoeharis, 2010)
 * Strategy Subject Appropriateness-** By doing a choice board the teacher gives the student a say so in their education. This is a great encouragement for the students and creates an excitement for learning.

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