DAP 6: Differentiated Instruction
Overview
Differentiated instruction occurs in individualized learning environments and experiences to meet children’s specific strengths, needs, and backgrounds. This process for individualizing instruction benefits all children but is particularly meaningful for children with special needs, health care needs, or English learners. Differentiated instruction meets each child’s needs as determined by observation, assessment, family input, and knowledge of the child; the result is a classroom where each child is given a pathway to reach their full potential
Requirement
Level 4:
There is evidence of:
- Differentiated instruction, including for children with disabilities, children with special health care needs, and English learners; and
- Use of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for individualized planning for students with disabilities (if applicable).
Documentation to upload: A recent lesson plan (used and dated within the past six months)
Instructions
- Identify a recent lesson plan used and dated within the past six months.
- Circle and label examples of differentiated instruction for each child. For example, planning experiences based on individual children’s interests, background, and strengths/needs.
- Circle and label examples that include children with disabilities, children with special health care needs, and English learners.
- If information from an IFSP or IEP has been provided, circle and label evidence of how that information was used to inform the lesson plan. Remove any child’s name included in the lesson plan. Do not upload IFSP/IEP forms.
- Add a comment noting whether or not the program has been provided with an IFSP or IEP (or information from one) for any enrolled child.
- If information from IFSP/IEPs has not been provided, documentation does not have to demonstrate that they inform activities.
Next Steps
- Review the lesson plan used and dated within the past six months and confirm that evidence of the requirements is clearly circled and labeled.
- Log into the Maryland EXCELS System to upload the program’s documents representing differentiated instruction.
- Add a comment noting whether or not the program received an IFSP or IEP for any child enrolled.
- Submit for review.
Additional Resources
- Supporting Every Young Learning: Maryland’s Guide to Early Childhood Pedagogy Birth to Age 8, p 166-168 View this resource for the early education community to learn the elements of differentiated instruction and hear the perspective of other educators.
- What is Differentiated Instruction? Visit this link to explore four elements in the classroom that can be individualized to ensure that you are meeting the needs of each child.
