Differentiated Instruction in Elementary Reading

Carole Erlandson, Debbie Montgomery, and Bridget Smith from the Wayne Township Schools in Indianapolis are leading the implementation of differentiation in their district.

In a session designed around the theme, “Portrait of a Reader,” they shared a variety of checklists, surveys, and rubrics they use to assess students’ reading readiness; offered insights on students’ attitudes and interests in reading; and examined how to design differentiated tasks for flexible groups, use literature circles, and provide appropriate scaffolding during guided reading.

One of their tips is to involve students in goal setting and self-analysis--this helps the students be invested in and motivated by their learning. It supports their development as self-empowered learners.

Related Resources
Reading Strategies for the Content Areas, Volume 1: An ASCD Action Tool and Reading Strategies for the Content Areas, Volume 2: An ASCD Action Tool
These ASCD Action Tools quickly get teachers up to speed on effective reading strategies and provide all the materials needed to teach strategic reading practices. Whenever teachers observe students having trouble with connecting prior knowledge to new reading assignments, making predictions about their reading, or deciphering text they do not understand, they can quickly select a Reading Tool that will address the problem effectively in a time-efficient way.

Learn more about next year's conference, visit our 2006 summer conference page, where you can register today.

Explore Differentiated Instruction resources and Understanding by Design resources.