Resource Guide for the Standards and Rubric for School Improvement

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Standard One:
School and District Leadership



Standard Two:
Curriculum, Instruction, And Professional Development

2.1 Alignment With Standards
2.2 Monitoring Curriculum
2.3 Communication With Stakeholders
2.4 Common Academic Core
2.5 Monitoring and Evaluation
2.6 Instructional Planning
2.7 Instructional Materials
2.8 Technology Integration
2.9 Differentiated Instruction
2.10 Research-Based Strategies
2.11 Long-term Professional Growth
2.12 Teachers Role in Student Success
2.13 Continuous Professional Development
2.14 Evaluation Process
2.15 Content Knowledge



Standard Three:
Classroom And School Assessments



Standard Four:
School Culture, Climate, And Communication



ADE Calendar of Events



Best Practices Academies

2.9 Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instruction (i.e., adjustment of concept, level of difficulty, strategy for instruction, amount of work, time allowed, product or performance that demonstrates learning) is used to meet the learning needs of all students.

One size never fits all, one size fits one.

(Tom Peters,
quoted in The Big Picture: Education is Everyone’s Business by Dennis Litsky & Samantha Gabrelle)

Suggested Evidence
  • Observation
  • Lesson plans
Level of Performance: Exceeds Standards
  • All teachers consistently use pre-assessment as a basis for differentiation of instruction in all content areas.
  • Differentiation of instruction is observable in all classrooms.
  • Classroom observations indicate a well-planned blend of whole group, small group, and individual instruction.
  • All teachers consistently perform error analyses of their students’ summative assessments and use the results as a basis for re-teaching all content areas.
  • Target re-teaching of objectives is occurring in all content areas in most classrooms.

Related Resources

Tools
Dialogue Guide for Facilitators   
Dialogue Guides are models for conducting interactive discussions across stakeholders in states and districts. These packages make new use of dependable and publicly available information. Each Guide circulates a common set of source materials and suggested procedures for involving various audiences. In this manner, stakeholders (families, practitioners, professional associations, professors, policymakers, legislators) all over the country can begin interacting in new ways around implementation issues.
Publication Date: May 2005
Publisher: IDEA, NASDSE, US Office of Special Education

Differentiation of Instruction in the Elementary Grades   
Dr. Tomlinson discusses the definition of differentiated instruction and how it can assist in creating engaging instruction.
Author: C. Tomlinson
Publication Date: 2003-2004
Publisher: Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)

How to Differentiate Instruction   
This article provides a four-step process to differentiation and offers other resources for more information.
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Teachnology


Articles
NEW! A Summary of Nine Key Studies: Multi-Tier Intervention and Response to Intervention for Students Struggling in Mathematics   
This report summarizes nine studies regarding evidence-based practices for Tier 2 interventions, as well as explains how to use RTI to help students struggling to learn mathematics.
Author: Benjamin Clarke, Russell Gersten, and Rebecca Newman-Gonchar
Publication Date: 2009
Publisher: Center on Instruction

NEW! Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices   
This guide offers strategies that teachers can use to increase the reading ability of adolescent students. The recommendations aim to help students gain more from their reading tasks, improve their motivation for and engagement in the learning process, and assist struggling readers who may need intensive and individualized attention.
Publication Date: 2008

NEW! Assisting Students Struggling with Reading: Response to Intervention (RtI) and Multi-Tier Intervention in the Primary Grades   
The IES Practice Guide has researched and evidenced based strategies for teachers to use when identifying and helping their primary struggling readers.
Publication Date: 2009, February
Publisher: Institute of Education Sciences: NCEE

NEW! Effective Instruction for Adolescent Struggling Readers   
This group of resources is designed to guide the delivery of instruction for adolescent struggling readers and deepen knowledge of reading-related issues.
Author: Joseph K. Torgesen
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Center on Instruction

NEW! Mathematics Intervention at the Secondary Prevention Level of a Multi-Tier Prevention System: Six Key Principles   
The author lists and describes six principles necessary for RtI in mathematics at a secondary level.
Author: Lynn S. Fuchs, Ph.D.
Publication Date: Retrieved November 2008
Publisher: RTI Action Network

NEW! Some Classroom Management Tips   
This article by master teacher, Judi Fenton, provides management tips for a more efficient and productive classroom.
Author: Judi Fenton
Publisher: Teachers Network

Academic Literacy Instruction for Adolescents: A Guidance Document from the Center on Instruction   
This document developed by the Center on Instruction's Reading, Special Education and ELL Strands makes recommendations for improving literacy-related instruction in the content areas or across the entire school day, interventions for students reading below grade level, and recommendations for supporting literacy development in adolescent English language learners.
Author: Joseph K. Torgeson et al.
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Center on Instruction

Assessing Student Engagement Rates   
This article defines student engagement and describes various methods used to measure it, both in empirical research studies and at the classroom level.
Author: Elaine Chapman
Publication Date: 2003
Publisher: Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)

Contexts for Engagement and Motivation in Reading   
This article discusses engaged reading and instructional contexts that foster reading engagement and motivation.
Author: John T. Guthrie
Publication Date: 2001
Publisher: Reading Online

Differentiating Instruction For Advanced Learners In the Mixed-Ability Middle School Classroom   
This article provides an outline of some vital principles for differentiating instruction, with an emphasis on the learning needs of academically advanced learners.
Author: Carol Ann Tomlinson
Publication Date: 1995, October
Publisher: Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)

Differentiation in Diverse Settings: A Consultants Experiences in Two Similar School Districts   
Dr. Tomlinson describes how two districts and their leadership pursue different approaches to addressing the issues of implementing differentiated instruction throughout their schools. Particular attention is given to outlining an effective leadership plan for success in meeting the needs of diverse learners through differentiation.
Author: Carol Ann Tomlinson
Publication Date: August, 2004
Publisher: American Association of School Administrators

Differentiation of Instruction in the Elementary Grades   
The author describes what makes differential instruction successful and how best to accomplish it with specific directives for elementary school teachers.
Author: Carol Ann Tomlinson
Publication Date: 2000, August
Publisher: Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)

Extensive Reading Interventions in Grades K-3: From Research to Practice   
This report summarizes available data on the effects of extensive reading interventions (comprising at least 100 instructional sessions) and related implications for practice.
Author: Nancy Scammacca, Sharon Vaughn, Greg Roberts, Jeanne Wanzek and Joseph K. Torgesen
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Center on Instruction

Groupwork in Diverse Classrooms: A Casebook for Educators   (to edit this resource, contact WestEd)
Author: Shulman, J.H., Lotan, R.A., Whitcomb, J.A. (Eds.)
Publication Date: 1998
Publisher: Teachers College Press

How To Use Differentiated Instruction with Students with Developmental Disabilities in the General Education Classroom   
This book discusses how educators can achieve inclusive classrooms that give students with different abilities the maximum opportunity for growth. It provides frameworks for planning learning environments, content, process, and products that enable students with learning challenges to succeed with meaningful curriculum.
Author: Barbara Gartin, Nikki Murdick, Marica Imbeau, Darlene Perner
Publication Date: 2002
Publisher: Council for Exceptional Children

Interventions for Adolescent Struggling Readers: A Meta-Analysis with Implications for Practice   
This report focuses on interventions designed to improve students' use of reading comprehension strategies. It also considers the impact of interventions that target improved reading vocabulary, accurate decoding of unfamiliar words in text, and increased reading fluency.
Author: Nancy Scammacca, Greg Roberts, Sharon Vaughn, Meaghan Edmonds, Jade Wexler
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Center on Instruction

Linking Formative Assessment to Scaffolding   
This article addresses four strategies that illustrate the strong connection between formative assessment and research on learning: eliciting prior knowledge, providing effective feedback, teaching for transfer of knowledge, and encouraging student self-assessment.
Author: Lorrie A. Shepard
Publication Date: 2005
Publisher: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Maximizing Learning in Inclusive Classrooms   
Drawing heavily from strategies used in special education, this article discusses how teachers can help all students make better sense of the curriculum by using a variety of organizational, graphic and mnemonic aids.
Author: Rick Allen
Publication Date: 2003, Spring
Publisher: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Meeting the Curricular Needs of Academically Low-Achieving Students in Middle Grade Mathematics   
This article discusses a study in which the researchers contrasted two curricula for teaching challenging mathematics to students who were at risk for special education in mathematics.
Author: John Woodward and Cyrus Brown
Publication Date: 2006
Publisher: The Journal of Special Education

Quality Curriculum and Instruction for Highly Able Students   
Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson describes how the highly able learner begins their journey further down the learning curve then their similar age peers. Curriculum and instruction must be modified to meet the needs of these “advanced learners” to challenge them and provide opportunity for growth.
Author: Carol Ann Tomlinson
Publication Date: Spring, 2005
Publisher: The Ohio State University

Reading Next: A Vision for Action and Research in Middle and High School Literacy   
The authors outline 15 key elements of an effective literacy intervention, and call on public and private stakeholders to invest in the literacy of middle and high school students today, while simultaneously building the knowledge base.
Author: Gina Biancarosa and Catherine Snow
Publication Date: 2004
Publisher: Alliance for Excellent Education

Reconcilable Differences? Standards-Based Teaching and Differentiation   
Publication Date: 2000, September
Publisher: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Teaching Science: Meeting the Academic Needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students   
This article discusses ways for teachers to address the academic needs of students who are culturally and linguistically diverse.
Author: Lynne E. Houtz
Publication Date: 2004
Publisher: HighBeam Research

Using Instructional Design Strategies To Foster Curiosity   
This article discusses strategies that can foster engagement by increasing student curiosity in lesson content.
Author: Marilyn P. Arnone
Publication Date: 2003
Publisher: Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)

What Content-Area Teachers Should Know About Adolescent Literacy   
This report suggests methods for improving reading and writings skills in all classrooms.
Author: Kris Anstrom, Trenace Richardson, Tanya Shuy, Rebecca J. Moak, Mary A. Campbell and Peggy McCardle
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Writing Next: Effective Strategies to Improve Writing of Adolescents in Middle and High Schools   
Writing Next: Effective Strategies to Improve Writing of Adolescents in Middle and High Schools, commissioned by Carnegie Corporation of New York and published by the Alliance for Excellent Education, discusses eleven specific teaching techniques that research suggests will help improve the writing abilities of the country’s 4th- to 12th-grade students.
Author: Steve Graham and Dolores Perin
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Alliance for Excellent Education


Useful Links
NEW! NCTM Illuminations   
This site provides dozens of virtual math manipulatives with lessons divided by grade level and aligned to NCTM standards. Lessons are detailed and include activity sheets.
Publication Date: 2000-2008
Publisher: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

NEW! Tiered Instruction/Intervention   
The site offers details and information on the RtI process and articles as well as descriptions of the three tiers.
Publication Date: Retrieved November 2008
Publisher: RTI Action Network

Differentiated Instruction for Math   
This brief discusses the keys to differentiation, as well as provides six strategies to incorporating differentiated instruction in the math classroom.
Publication Date: 2004
Publisher: The Access Center

Differentiated Instruction: Effective Classroom Practices Report   
This report discusses strategies on how to implement the differentiated instruction model in the classroom, as well as explains some theory behind this method.
Author: Tracey Hall
Publication Date: 2002
Publisher: National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum

Educational Java™ Programs   
This site was started in November of 1997 with the purpose of providing Java™ Applets that can be used as tools to help and enhance the education of children both at school and at home.(Description take directly from the site)
Publication Date: 1997-1999
Publisher: Arcytech

How to Differentiate Instruction   
This article focuses on providing differentiated instruction for various student populations in a range of contexts.
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: TeAch-nology.com

National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum   
This website defines differentiated instruction and provides links to articles and books on the subject.
Publisher: Center for Applied Special Technology

Pattern Block Activities on the Web   
Dr. Margo Lynn Mankus shares her mathematics lessons, activities and blackline masters for manipulatives.
Publication Date: 1998
Publisher: Margo Lynn Mankus

Tips from Teachers   
The COMP Resource Library contains “Tips from Teachers” where educators from around the country post helpful hints under the topics of Room and Materials Arrangement, Rules and Procedures, Managing Student Work and Accountability, Maintaining Good Student Behavior, Planning and Organizing Instruction, Conducting and Facilitating Instruction to Maintain Lesson Momentum, Getting the Year Off to a Good Start, Climate Communications and Self-Management.
Publisher: COMP Classroom Organization and Mangement Program


Other Resources
NEW! Dr. Archer Video Series   
“Dr. Anita Archer is a talented author and beloved teacher of teachers. This video series is one of her many gifts to the educational community. Produced with support from the Sonoma County Office of Education, it is made available at no cost thanks to her generous spirit.
The series addresses strategic literacy instruction in grades K-8 using a research to practice approach grounded in pragmatic real-world application. Each video is 4 to 8 minutes long, has a particular strategic focus, and was shot unrehearsed in real time. A short viewing guide is included for each video, providing guidance for viewing and feedback for post-viewing applications.” Sonoma County Office of Education
Author: Dr. Anita Archer
Publication Date: 2008
Publisher: Sonoma County Office of Education

Secondary Vocabulary Lessons   
Resource from Anita Archer Conference.
Author: Dr. Anita Archer

Succeeding with Standards: Linking Curriculum, Assessment and Action Planning   
The authors describe the processes and strategies necessary to implement a systemwide standards-based program. Chapter 3, "Defining Effective Practices for Attainment of Standards" includes sample instructional guidelines which address the issue of appropriate instruction. An essential component of making appropriate instruction available to all students is access. The authors describe access to content, instruction, knowledgeable instructors, suitable resources, time, and to a safe and healthy environment. Chapters in the book include: Curriculum and Assessment Plan, Comprehensive Assessment System, Action Planning, Reporting in Relation to Standards, Professional Development and Getting Started. The appendix includes a Learning Opportunity Survey for Teachers and a Sample School District Plan.

Note: The book is available for purchase from the ASCD Web site. Use the URL above to locate the book.
Author: Judy F. Carr and Douglas E. Harris
Publication Date: 2001
Publisher: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

The Big Picture: Effective Reading Instruction for Older Students (PDF)   
Resource from Anita Archer Conference.
Author: Anita Archer

The Differentiated Classroom – Responding to the Needs of All Learners   
The author offers a comprehensive look at differentiated instruction beginning with samples from effective differentiated classrooms. The author identifies the elements of differentiation, instructional strategies that support differentiation, and learning environments that support differentiation. Key principles of a Differentiated Classroom are: (1) The teacher is clear about what matters in subject matter. (2) The teacher understands, appreciates, and builds upon student differences. (3) Assessment and instruction are inseparable. (4) The teacher adjusts content, process, and product in response to student readiness, interests, and learning profile. (5) All students participate in respectful work. (6) Students and teachers are collaborators in learning. (7) Goals of a differentiated classroom are maximum growth and individual success. (8) Flexibility is the hallmark of a differentiated classroom.

Note: The book is available for purchase from the ASCD Web site. Use the URL above to locate the book.
Author: Carol Ann Tomlinson
Publication Date: 1999
Publisher: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)




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