Data Driven Differentiation in the Standards-Based Classroom

`Reminds educators of their commitment to children and reassures them that the tasks they must complete are doable′ -

Maria Elena Reyes, Associate Professor, School of Education, University of Alaska, Fairbanks

In this comprehensive guide to using data-driven strategies for curriculum, instruction, and assessment, the authors present step-by-step techniques and planning tools for designing instruction with student success in mind.

Topics include using data to assess classroom climate and create optimal learning conditions; using data to assess student learning styles and multiple intelligences; using data for diagnostic teaching before, during, and after instruction; using curriculum mapping and critical questions for standards-based unit planning; using adjustable assignments and flexible grouping for differentiated learning; using the most effective research-based instructional strategies; and using data for lesson planning in learning chunks that keep students active, engaged, and able to demonstrate what they know and can do.

Four sample units that cross content areas and grade levels are used to demonstrate every aspect of the planning process, and the authors provide a generous collection of templates, grids, and sample planners for teachers, curriculum designers, and instructional leaders to use at every stop along the way.

Gayle H. Gregory is first and foremost a teacher, having experienced teaching and learning in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, community colleges, and universities. She has had extensive district-wide experience as a curriculum consultant and staff development coordinator. Gayle was principal/course director at York University for the Faculty of Education, teaching in the teacher education program.
Her areas of expertise include brain-compatible learning, differentiated instructional and assessment strategies, block scheduling, emotional intelligence, student motivation, RTI Tier One, collaborative learning, common core, renewal of secondary schools, enhancing teacher quality, coaching and mentoring, managing change, and building professional learning communities. She also a trainer for Visible Learning Plus with Corwin.

She is an author of numerous books related to educational neuroscience and differentiated instruction, assessment, and curriculum, including the following titles:

• Data Driven Differentiation in the Standards-Based Classroom, Second Edition (2014, with Lin Kuzmich)
• Differentiated Instructional Strategies: One Size Doesn’t Fit All, Third Edition (2013, with Carolyn Chapman)
• Differentiated Instructional Strategies Professional Learning Guide: One Size Doesn’t Fit All, Third Edition (2013)
• Differentiated Literacy Strategies for English Language Learners, Grades K–6 and Differentiated Literacy Strategies for English Language Learners, Grades 7–12 (2011, with Amy Burkman)
• Differentiated Instructional Strategies for the Block Schedule (2010, with Lynne E. Herndon)
• Student Teams That Get Results: Teaching Tools for the Differentiated Classroom (2009, with Lin Kuzmich)
• Teacher Teams That Get Results: 61 Strategies for Sustaining and Renewing Professional Learning Communities (2009, with Lin Kuzmich)
• Differentiated Instructional Strategies for Science, Grades K–8 (2009, with Elizabeth Hammerman)
• Differentiating Instruction With Style: Aligning Teacher and Learner Intelligences for Maximum Achievement (2005)
• The Activities for Differentiated Classroom series (2007, with Carolyn Chapman)

She is affiliated with organizations such as ASCD and Learning Forward. Her ASCD publication is The Motivated Brain: Improving Student Attention engagement and Perseverance (2015, with Martha Kaufeldt).

Gayle consults internationally with teachers, administrators, and staff developers.

She and her family of two daughters and two granddaughters all reside in Burlington, Ontario.

Gayle is committed to lifelong learning and professional growth for herself and others. She may be contacted at gregorygayle@netscape.net, www.gaylehgregory.com, and @gaylegregory6.

 

Lin Kuzmich, of KCS, Inc., is an educational consultant, professor, and author from Loveland, CO. She served the Thompson School District in several roles as the assistant superintendent, executive director of secondary and elementary instruction, director of professional development, and a building principal. Her school was named a 2000 winner of the John R. Irwin Award for Academic Excellence and Improvement. In addition, for the past decade she has been involved in staff development through several universities and the Tointon Institute for Educational Change. Kuzmich is an adjunct professor at both Colorado State University and University of Northern Colorado. She is a senior consultant for the International Center for Leadership in Education, has provided training and consulting to school districts around the country, and has presented at numerous national conferences.