Differentiated Instruction Flashcards

A teacher uses 'think-alouds' and graphic organizers for some students while others work independently on the same reading passage. This best demonstrates differentiation of:

Answer: Process

Varying the scaffolds and strategies students use to make sense of content (think-alouds, graphic organizers) is differentiation of process.

Which scenario best illustrates culturally responsive differentiated instruction?

Answer: Incorporating students' cultural backgrounds and experiences into instructional examples and choice boards

Culturally responsive DI draws on students' cultural backgrounds as assets, making learning relevant and accessible through culturally meaningful contexts.

In the context of MTEL preparation, 'respectful tasks' in a differentiated classroom means:

Answer: All students receive equally challenging and meaningful work regardless of their level

Respectful tasks ensure that differentiated work for all levels is equally engaging and meaningful — no group gets 'busy work' or watered-down content.

A teacher groups students differently for math, reading, and science based on skills in each subject. This practice is called:

Answer: Subject-specific flexible grouping

Regrouping students based on skills in each specific subject area is subject-specific flexible grouping, a core DI practice that avoids permanent tracking.

Which of the following best describes 'scaffolding' as used in differentiated instruction?

Answer: Providing temporary support structures that help students access challenging content

Scaffolding provides temporary, targeted support (sentence frames, graphic organizers, guided notes) that helps students access grade-level content and gradually builds independence.

A teacher uses ongoing formative assessment data to regroup students every two to three weeks. This practice primarily reflects which principle of DI?

Answer: Data-driven, flexible regrouping responsive to student growth

Regularly regrouping based on formative assessment data ensures groupings reflect current student needs and growth, a cornerstone of effective differentiated instruction.

Which Massachusetts curriculum framework concept aligns most directly with the DI principle of 'beginning where students are'?

Answer: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles applied to standards-based instruction

UDL principles support starting from students' current point and providing multiple means of access to grade-level standards, aligning with both DI and Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.