Graduate Course Description

Overview

Equips experienced and beginning educators with the essential knowledge and skills they need to implement differentiated instruction (DI) successfully in their own classrooms. As a widely respected, research-based instructional approach, DI provides teachers with effective, manageable strategies for meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student population within the context of today’s challenging standards-based curriculum. In a highly interactive learning environment that models the DI principles and processes, class members will gain expertise in understanding and implementing a broad range of strategies associated with three essential, distinguishing components of DI: first, the teacher’s role as guide and facilitator in a classroom environment specifically designed to support self-directed student learning and teacher-student collaboration; second, the interdependent nature of assessment and instruction in a DI classroom; and third, the implementation of specific instructional strategies to adapt the curriculum content, processes (activities), and products to provide students with entry points to learning that match their readiness, interests, and/or learning profiles.

• Discover practical responses to diverse learning needs in today's mixed-ability classrooms
• Increase student achievement in a standards-driven learning environment with differentiated teaching strategies
• Create powerful learning experiences that engage and motivate students
• Make differentiating instruction come alive in your own classroom

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Target Audience: All K-12 educators; Prerequisite: entry-level technology skills.
Time Requirement: 6-8 hours per week
Course Format: Eight-week, facilitator-led with weekly assignments, and 24/7 online access

Graduate Credit: 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours

Technology Requirements
In addition to a computer, Internet connection (high-speed preferable), and a working email account, PLS courses have the following technical requirements:

• Preferred Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X
• Preferred Browsers: For an optimal experience use Internet Explorer 7 or 8 (PC), or Mozilla Firefox 3 (PC or Mac).
  Updated versions of Web browsers are free from the following links:
  Internet Explorer , Firefox
• Required Software: Microsoft Word, google tools: mail, docs, presentations (free use), and Wikispaces account
• Required Web Browser Plug-In: Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe® Reader™ This plug-in is required to view any of the PDFs within a course. Adobe® Reader™ may be downloaded for free using the following link: Adobe

Please note:

• If using Internet Explorer 6.0, security settings must be set to accept cookies.
• If using Internet Explorer 7 or 8, please add pls.rsmart.com to your list of trusted Web sites by going to: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy tab > Sites

The following applications will be used by the participants. These are freeware programs available via the Web or are free to download. Course instructions will include directions on how to install or use these applications.

• Google tools: mail, docs, presentations (free use)
• Wikispaces account

Note: Students who have taken the on-site version of this course, Differentiated Instruction for Today’s Classroom™ , may not register for this online course.