Differentiation in an Inclusive Classroom - A Guide for Teachers

What is Differentiation?

Since the reauthorization of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) in 1997, schools are mandated to provide students with disabilities access, participation and progress in the least restrictive environment. This means that students who were once taught exclusively in a special education or resource room setting may now be taught in the general education classroom. As a result of this change, teachers are searching to find ways to accommodate the needs of diverse learners. This can be accomplished with differentiation. "Differentiating instruction means changing the pace, level, or kind of instruction you provide in response to individual learners' needs, styles or interests" (Heacox 5).