3 Hallmarks of a Differentiated Classroom

The first hallmark that matters most to me is...

• Shared responsibility for the classroom is between teacher and students, in the goal of making it work for everyone.

I inherently believe students must learn and successfully apply self-management.  The idea of shared responsibility is intrinsically shadowed with whispers of self-management.  Therefore, shared responsibility is easily one of the aspects of differentiation that matters most to me.  

The second hallmark that matters most to me is...

• Individual growth is emphasized as central to classroom success.

If the class is to be successful as a community all members within it must also be successful in their own individual right.  Students should be treated as individuals and judged accordingly.  A students competition should be their own potential.  A successful classroom is comprised of successful individuals.  

As for a third hallmark that matters most to me; I couldn't decide between these three...

• Qualitative rather than quantitative tasks.

• Respectful and engaging work for all students.

• A way up, and never a way out.

These are all crucial aspects of a differentiated classroom.  I hate busy work and feel it would be hypocritical to implement it in my teaching.  I want my students to learn it is what they do and how they do it, not how much they do that matters.  All students deserve to learn in an engaging manner.  Their work should not be to difficult nor should it be to easy.  It should apply to their individual ZPD and engage their personal interest, learning styles etc...

Learning should be a challenging, yet inspiring experience.  Equitable does not always mean fair, and fair does not always mean equitable.  That is okay.  Each child should have ample opportunity to grow in their learning environment. They deserve to be gently guided and instructed as their individual learning is scaffolded.