"I'm often asked how to get started with differentiation...study your students, work steadily to understand them better as individuals. Observe what encourages and discourages them. Listen to the stories they want to tell you..." --Carol Ann Tomlinson, "Inventing Differentiation"
In a classroom setting, curriculum is the answer to “what” we are teaching and differentiation is the “how” we are teaching it. Quality curriculum is a natural outcome of creating a system of planning instruction so that it is purposeful and meaningful to every student. Carol Ann Tomlinson defines it as a curriculum that engages every student, promotes student understanding, and represents an environment of excellence and high expectations. Lessons should draw students in by playing on their natural curiosities and wonderment. They should be taught in a way that is relatable and relevant to their own world. Students should not only understand what something is, but also how and why it works and how they can apply that knowledge. Students should be treated as they all have something to offer and are worthwhile in their classroom. Today’s technology lends itself to assist in accomplishing these goals of providing students with a quality curriculum. There are many programs that allow students to move at their own pace and on their own level. Teachers may also use programs that simply reinforce a current skill or review of past skills. Several programs also give teachers access to detailed progress reports. Many students also have these resources readily available in their homes as well.