The Importance Of Differentiated Instruction

Introduction In education, reading plays an integral role in student academic success. It impacts all academic areas including math. However, many students struggle with reading and thus become limited in their ability to have a successful education. Reading is not confined to the capacity to decode words but also involves being able to comprehend and make generalizations while reading. Unfortunately, many students struggle with the ability to bridge the gap between these two skills.
Reading is a crucial skill that all people must acquire to successfully function in the world. However, many individuals struggle with reading. Some of the reading challenges stem from disabilities. However, what role does phonemic awareness play …show more content…
In their article, Algozzine and Anderson propose that effective differentiated instruction can only be incorporated with a teacher who has a growth mindset. Therefore, educators must scaffold assignments that will target and reach learners where they currently are and move them to the next level. To be an effective teacher, one must understand that every child is unique and has different learning styles. Thus, teachers must be willing to accommodate and modify instruction and assessments. Teachers need to be cognizant of how students assimilate and acquire new knowledge and find the most advantageous method of instructing learners. In their article, the authors point out that independent assignments should be varied in ability level so that all students can showcase what they have learned. There should not be the expectation that all students will be able to produce at the same degree. They further go on to address the issue of how differentiated instruction poses a problem when trying to align with state standards and the common …show more content…
Ms. Moon delves into the topic of assessment and how it should be used to modify instruction. She specifically identifies three phases that should be incorporated concerning assessment. The author addresses the fact that most instruction is done without acknowledgment or knowledge of students’ prior knowledge on a given topic. Thus, the first stage outlined in this article is the pre-assessment stage. Moon suggested high-quality pre-assessment data can facilitate a teacher’s differentiation of instruction by establishing instructional baselines regarding students’ level of skill, knowledge, and understandings. (Moon 2005). In the second phase of the assessment process the author mentioned the correlation between instruction and assessment and how these two elements need to work together simultaneously. Ms. Moon points out that while instructing learners, teachers should orchestrate lessons as planned, but in the midst of instruction be mindful and aware of when they need to move on, stop, or change directions. To facilitate this particular step, educators must use a variety of methods to ensure that students are acquiring and grasping the information that is being relayed. Additionally, educators must recognize means by which lessons should be extended as not to exclude the learning process of those who are advanced in