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Deciding to Differentiate

This article provides a useful summary of research on how to think about the process of differentiating instruction. From the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials, the article uses a Universal Design for Learning approach. In this short article is a wonderful chart that traces the decision-making process that a teacher might use to determine when and how to differentiate instruction.

Hall, T., Strangman, N., & Meyer, A. (2009). Differentiated Instruction and Implications for UDL Implementation. National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials.

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NOTE: Required reading

Research Support for Differentiation

Ever need to convince someone (or yourself) of the value of differentiated instruction. Here Hueber provides readers with research studies that show positive results for the implementation of differentiated instruction. In addition, she shares several guiding principles to support differentiated classroom practices.

Huebner, Tracy (2010). Differentiated learning. Educational Leadership, 67(5), 79-81.

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NOTE: Required reading

Differentiating in Inclusion Classrooms

This comprehensive article provides readers with examples of key concepts for differentiated instruction and universal design for learning. The authors also highlight the dimensions of multicultural education and provide readers with a unit planner template to support teachers with designing units that consider the needs of all students.

Van Garderen, D. and Whittaker, C. (2006). Planning differentiated, multicultural instruction for secondary inclusive classrooms. Teaching Exceptional Children. 38 (3), 12-20.

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NOTE: Required reading

Differentiation in Elementary Grades

In this article, Tomlinson defines differentiated instruction, discusses the reasons for it and examines what makes it successful. She also shows readers specific ways they can begin implementation.

Tomlinson, C. (2000). Differentiation of instruction in elementary grades. Eric Digest.

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NOTE: Required reading

Differentiation in Middle School

This digest provides an overview of some key principles for differentiating instruction, with an emphasis on the learning needs of academically advanced students.

Tomlinson, C. A., (1995). Differentiating instruction for advanced learners in the mixed-ability middle school classroom. ERIC Digest E536.

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NOTE: Required reading