Differentiated Instruction

I think that with differentiated instruction it is important to find a balance. I do some hands on activities like creating posters, brochures that sort of thing but I also think you can over do it with this stuff. I mean if your creating posters and coloring everyday is it still differentiated instruction? I try to find a balance using notes, outlines, united streaming, small group projects, and worksheets. which by the way can be great in some cases, to make sure my students are understanding the material. Now I don't claim to be the next teacher of the year but I think if you mix it up its easier to keep the students interested and engaged.

Other Topics for Discussion

*E-Portfolio Concerns. Do we need a staff development that creates a comfort level for us?
*Differentiated Instruction: Who's doing it on a daily basis? Sometimes? Who's not doing it all?
We are going to start a process of classroom visitation beginning in November/December. You are expected to visit another team members class a least once per month. We will discuss on 29th of November.
*What data do we need to review at this point to move student academic progress forward? Something other than Westest. We will discuss more on Credit Recovery on 29th.
*21st Century Learning- Can we see it in your rooms? Do we see classroom centered vs teacher centered rooms? Are we engaging students? Do students have an active role? Does every class prepare students for their next grade level?

These are some of the topics we need to focus on. Feedback is essential to making this work.
Danny

Credit Recovery

Has everyone set up a Credit Recovery? I've created a contract if anyone needs one. You are welcome to change it. I'll see if i can attach it somehow. I'm not giving AP Credit Recovery. Should I?

Class Blog

Sure Jason. You may set one up for each class or one in general. You could place assignmetns on it / have students reply to a quote or assignment for homework by blogging with you/class. You may want to look at different restrictions you can place at the "settings" to keep it private or whatever how you want to do it.

I plan on posting things that Mrs. Potter wants us to discuss and we can blog each other. Any other ideas are welcome.
Thanks for sighning on. We need to get the rest of them on-line as well.
Danny

first post

All signed up, when you say personal classes do you mean we should set up a separate blog for our classes?

Jason

WELCOME

Lets give this a try and see if we can get everybody in the department on-line and willing to use this. After you get comfortbale please set them up for your on personal classes.
I'm learning as well and do not know all answers. Just try it.
Danny