How to level ANY resource!

Differentiation is an important aspect of teaching that allows educators to meet the unique learning needs of their students. However, it can be a challenging task to accomplish with limited resources. In this blog post, we will explore some tips to help you level any resource to meet the needs of your students.

Leveling Down:

When trying to differentiate an assignment for struggling learners, it’s not enough to simply eliminate questions from the assignment. Instead, you need to break down the skill into smaller, more manageable steps. For instance, if students struggle with solving multi-step equations, giving them a simpler two-step equation or simplifying expressions assignment could be more beneficial. By identifying where the weakness lies, you can help build up the skill gradually. It’s also essential to scaffold the steps to help students understand the concept better. By taking these steps, you’ll help students build up to the skill of solving multi-step equations and identify exactly where they are struggling.

For example, let’s consider the equation 4 + 2(3x – 5) = -18. You could level this down by eliminating the 4 or the = -18 to make it simpler. Alternatively, you could scaffold the steps by breaking down the equation into simpler components. By doing this, you’re helping struggling learners build up the necessary skills gradually.

Leveling Up:

Leveling up is crucial to meeting the needs of high-achieving students who require more challenging assignments. When designing early-finisher work, ensure that it is designed as an extension or challenge rather than just something to kill time. It’s also essential to increase the rigor of the assignment rather than merely adding more work. For example, you could add fractions or integers instead of whole numbers, add more steps, or make the figure more complicated. By doing so, you’re challenging high-achieving students to think critically and outside the box.

For example, let’s consider the equation 4 + 2(3x – 5) = -18. To level this up, you could add a variable to the term on the right or make two of the numbers a fraction. You could also make it an inequality or add a second variable, asking students to solve for y and then graph it. By doing this, you’re challenging high-achieving students to think more critically and apply their knowledge to more complex problems.

It’s important to note that not every assignment needs to be leveled, and you’ll know when leveling is appropriate through informal assessments. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a math coach or interventionist to level problems and get their input whenever possible.

In conclusion, leveling resources is an essential aspect of differentiation that helps meet the unique learning needs of all students. By following these tips, you can ensure that your students are appropriately challenged, and struggling learners are given the necessary support to succeed.