Write a paper on the Differentiated Instruction (DI) is a critical component when working with young learners because educators must continually strive to meet the needs of each unique learner in their classroom. Remember that unless a student is identified as an individual with special educational needs through an Individual Education Plan (IEP), all differentiated instruction is based upon the same curriculum expectations identified in the grade level TEKS, and that all students should have ample opportunities to achieve the same high standards of performance. According to Tomlinson (1999), “Differentiation is an organized yet flexible way of proactively adjusting teaching and learning to meet kids where they are and help them to achieve maximum growth as learners. Typically, teachers make adjustments within the following areas when they differentiate in the classroom: 1) Content (what students learn and where they begin learning), 2) Process (ways students develop knowledge), 3) Product (ways students demonstrate their learning), and 4) Learning Environment (conditions for learning) (Ontario, 2010, p. 21). First read through the entire attached packet to develop background knowledge to assist you in learning more about differentiated instruction. Then you will continue exploring this concept by conducting your own research to identify evidence-based strategies that can be used to help meet the needs of diverse learners. This may be through a Google Search, database search through the WTAMU library, additional reading, etc.) Now, for this assignment, you will apply what you have learned by differentiating for individual student needs using the following scenario and the three unique case study student descriptions: Classroom Scenario: You are teaching a group of second grade students a lesson which addresses the following second grade Social Studies TEKS (): History: The student understands how historical figures, patriots, and good citizens helped shape the community, state, and nation. The student is expected to: (B) identify historical figures such as George Washington Carver who have exhibited individualism and inventiveness. Specifically, the lesson you have planned for your class is focused on teaching your second grade students about the contributions and inventions that agricultural scientist and inventor George Washington Carver provided through his research using peanuts, sweet potatoes and soybeans. The lesson expects students to conduct research in small groups, using teacher-provided resources (videos, books, magazines, websites, etc.). w more
