Differentiated Instruction
What is Differentiated Instruction and why is it considered a proactive approach?
It is a proactive approach adjusting content, process, product and environment to meet diverse needs of learners before failure occurs
Why must reading be explicitly taught and systematically taught?
Reading is not natural, the brain must be explicitly trained.
What is culturally responsive teaching?
Teaching that validates and incorporates students’ cultural backgrounds.
What does MTSS stand for?
Multi-Tiered System of Supports.
What does SEL stand for?
Social Emotional Learning.
What are four ways teachers can differentiate?
Content, Process, Product, Environment
What are the Five Pillars of Reading?
Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension
What are the three goals identified by Gloria Ladson-Billings?
Academic success, cultural competence, critical consciousness.
What happens at Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3?
Tier 1 = universal; Tier 2 = targeted small group; Tier 3 = intensive support.
Name the five CASEL competencies.
Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making.
Give one example of differentiating content, process and product.
Content=varied reading levels
Process= small groups
Product= poster, essay, slideshow
What is systematic phonics instruction?
Explicit, sequential teaching of sound-letter relationships
How does culturally responsive teaching go beyond celebrating holidays?
Integrates identity, voice, and diverse perspectives into instruction.
Why is MTSS considered preventative?
Identifies and addresses needs early.
How does SEL improve academic performance?
Improves focus, behavior, and engagement.
Why is differentiated instruction rooted in equity rather than fairness?
Equity provides students what they need. Fairness gives everyone the same.
What is orthographic mapping?
Connecting sounds to letters to store words in long-term memory.
Why is recognizing implicit bias important in education?
Prevents inequity and ensures high expectations.
How does data drive decision-making in MTSS?
Progress monitoring guides movement between tiers.
Give an example of explicitly teaching self-management.
Modeling coping strategies and calm-down tools.
How would you differentiate a math lesson with varied reading levels?
Tiered tasks, flexible grouping, manipulatives, vaired problem complexity.
How would you explain Scarborough’s Reading Rope in an interview?
Skilled reading combines word recognition and language comprehension.
Give an example of a culturally responsive lesson.
Diverse texts, culturally relevant word problems, student heritage projects.
How would you use MTSS to support a struggling reader?
Provide Tier 1 instruction, Tier 2 small group intervention, monitor data.
How can SEL be embedded into daily classroom routines?
Morning meetings, reflection journals, collaborative norms.