The document outlines 10 differentiation strategies including preassessment to design lessons based on student data, curriculum compacting to efficiently cover material students have already mastered, addressing the 5 most difficult concepts first with flexible grouping and questioning, open-ended tasks that allow students to access material at their own level, tiering assignments based on student needs rather than giving more work, using learning contracts to hold students accountable for independent work, providing choice boards for independent practice, and culminating with independent projects that promote autonomous learning and student buy-in.

1. Top Ten Differentiation Strategies

2. NUMBER 10 Preassessment – Not the least important because it is 10. No differentiation unless you use it. Formal or informal Use data for designing lesson or unit.

3. NUMBER 9 Curriculum Compacting Essential for covering required material. Appropriate pace. Used to fill “gaps.” Used to cover material that will be easily mastered.

4. NUMBER 8 5 Most Difficult First Like compacting for a day Skill based subjects – math If students shows mastery, move onto independent work. Give credit for assignment.

5. NUMBER 7 Flexible Grouping Used after preassessment. Based on interest or readiness. Give all students a chance to show mastery and make groups accordingly.

6. NUMBER 6 Questioning Must be more than “What is.. When was..” High level questioning promotes high level thinking. Plan ahead.

7. NUMBER 5 Open-Ended Tasks Everyone accesses task at own level. Takes off artificial ceiling. Promotes creativity. Will show meaningful learning.

8. NUMBER 4 Tiering Not more work. Different work. Start small.

9. NUMBER 3 Learning Contracts Commitment to task Accountability Can be done in many ways.

10. NUMBER 2 Choice Boards Independent work with teacher direction. When mastery is demonstrated or as a class project. Be happy with all of the options.

11. NUMBER 1 Independent Projects Ultimate in autonomous learning. Huge student buy in. Even the unexpected will help you and the student learn something. Fun and Learning!! Nothing beats that.