The 4 Pillars
Which pillar refers to how students learn?
Differentiation supports which group of students?
All students (not just struggling or advanced learners)
Give one example of a choice-based strategy.
Choice boards, learning menus, etc.
A teacher gives students the option to create a poster, slideshow, or skit to show what they’ve learned. Which pillar?
Product
Myth or Fact – Differentiation lowers rigor for struggling students.
Myth
Give an example of differentiating content in an elementary classroom.
Answers will vary
Differentiation increases ___ and ___ in the classroom.
Engagement and achievement
Which digital tool can provide interactive video lessons for differentiation?
Answers will vary
Students complete math problems with different levels of complexity. Which strategy is this?
Tiered assignments
Myth or Fact – Differentiation is only for gifted students.
Myth
Which pillar involves how students demonstrate their learning?
Product
True or False – Differentiation means creating a completely different lesson for each student.
False
Tiered assignments are designed based on what?
Student readiness levels
Students choose between working independently, in pairs, or in a small teacher-led group. Which pillar?
Process (and partly Environment)
Myth or Fact – Differentiation takes too much time to plan.
Myth (with proper tools and templates)
In flexible seating, students choosing where to work best supports which pillar?
Environment
Which researcher is most associated with modern differentiation theory?
Carol Ann Tomlinson
Name one strategy for differentiating in a secondary math class.
Open-ended problems, tiered tasks, flexible grouping, etc.
A teacher rearranges the classroom to have a quiet area, a collaboration table, and a creative space. Which pillar?
A: Environment
Myth or Fact – Students can help choose how they will learn best.
Fact
Name all 4 pillars of differentiation.
Content, Process, Product, Environment
Name one equity-related reason why differentiation matters.
Answers vary: addresses diverse learning needs, provides equal access, supports inclusivity, etc.
Give one example of differentiating process in a science class.
Lab groups by readiness, varied instructions, visual and written directions, etc.
A teacher rearranges the classroom to have a quiet area, a collaboration table, and a creative space. Which pillar?
A: Environment
Environment
Myth or Fact – Differentiation can happen in whole-group instruction.
Fact