CI 510 One Size Doesn't Fit All: Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners (3 credits)

We can agree that all students are different, yet in schools we often treat them as if they are the same. We put them through the same activities even though experience and brain research tells us that students are different, that they learn differently and have different likes, preferences, and needs. Is standards-based teaching and differentiation compatible? Through readings and threaded discussions, you will explore the rationale for differentiation, approaches to assessing student needs and learning styles, and ways to create a safe climate for learning. This online course gives participants an opportunity to view video clips of classrooms where teachers use strategies to modify curriculum and instruction to support diverse learners. As you explore the elements needed in the classroom to engage students and facilitate learning, you will increase the chances that all learners will succeed!

CI 510 Multiple Ways of Knowing Your Learners (3 credits)

This course addresses the diverse needs of learners in today's educational systems and promotes social justice for learners who have traditionally been left behind. Focusing on learners living in poverty, English Language Learners, learners with disabilities and learners identified as talented and gifted results in a better understanding of their learning needs and encourages teachers to use instructional strategies that better meet those needs and improve their learning. Improved understanding of the diversity that exists in today's classrooms is the first step toward effectively addressing their diverse needs. Brain research about how children learn, and application of learning styles and multiple intelligences lead to skills and strategies to differentiate instruction for diverse learners. Using assessment to inform teaching practices promotes differentiation to better meet the needs of all learners.

CI 510 Instructional Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning (3 credits)

Learn various assessment techniques and instructional strategies to assist in designing respectful learning experiences for the range of students, including those in special populations such as ELL, gifted, and students with disabilities. Use knowledge of each student's learning characteristics, interests and needs to select, adapt and implement appropriate differentiated instructional strategies and motivate and challenge each student. Learn to apply assessment techniques to measure progress and determine rate and level of new learning.

CI 510 Systems for Successful Implementation of Differentiated Education (3 credits)

Children learn at different rates and through different learning styles. Most educators understand this intellectually, but have difficulty implementing differentiated instruction into their classrooms. Often this is due to structural issues, rather than lack of understanding of the strategies. In order for educators to have success with differentiated instruction, they need their strategies to be connected to the larger whole of long term planning, and communication with the wider educational communities. Participants in this course will explore yearlong, standards-based unit and lesson planning. We will also address venues for communication of differentiated instruction to our students, parents, team members, extended school personnel, administration, and the community. This broadening of the base of support for differentiation will lead to more successful implementation of the strategies, thus higher achievement levels for all students.

CI 510 Curriculum and Content Differentiation (3 credits)

In this course you will apply the content your have learned in the other courses in the series to a unit of your choosing. You will revise a current unit in a differentiated format. You can use a unit from any grade level and from any content area. The differentiated unit will include differentiated instructional and assessment strategies, meet the learning needs of a wide range of students, integrate standards and benchmarks, and include your own reflection. You will have a differentiated unit to use in the fall.

Prerequisites: One Size Doesn't Fit All, multiple Ways of Knowing Your Learners, Instructional Strategies and Assessment of Student Learners, and Managing the Differentiated Classroom