I'm excited to announce that our system-wide Curriculum & Instruction Committee (chaired by Sherrod McNeil) has made some significant progress regarding our work on Differentiated Learning for all students. As you know, differentiation is an important part of our District Improvement Plan and is not a new initiative for us. Many Ansonia teachers differentiate instructional practices on a daily basis.
The Committee has decided that Ansonia's definition of Differentiated Learning will be the "Five Non-negotiables" from Carol Tomlinson, an internationally renowned expert on the topic. We believe that you will find these five concepts to be clear, concise, and practical while also finding examples in your current practice. Tomlinson has a knack for taking this complex idea and expressing it in a no-frills way that connects with educators. She is humble, contrite, and very reflective.
The Tomlinson Five Non-Negotiables of Differentiated Learning are:
- A supportive learning environment
- Continuous assessment
- High-quality curriculum
- Respectful tasks
- Planned, flexible grouping
In the following video, the Non-Negotiables are discussed starting at minute 20. However, the entire video is excellent and well worth your time.
The whole committee and administration agree that many of our teachers are already implementing one or all of these tenets. However, by choosing this model, it will give us a common vocabulary with which to collaborate, share our successes, and reflect on our struggles. In the coming months, all Ansonia teachers will become very familiar with the 5 Non-negotiables.
At our January 27, 2012 PD day, teachers will enter an important phase in our implementation of Differentiated Learning. Each grade-level or content-area team will choose an instructional methodology that they feel is relevant to their work and that fulfills the Non-Negotiables. There are many, many methods that can fulfill these tenets: literature circles; flexible grouping by learning style, flexible grouping by readiness level, structured student choice in format of demonstrations, and many more. These chosen methodologies will be the focus of ongoing in-school discussions and development opportunities.
Please do not hesitate to contact the DTL with your questions or thoughts.
