Without any notice, I think that teachers automatically differentiate instruction. It could be that you assign different assignments to students or you allow students to do the same worksheet but grade on the ability. Differentiate is the new buzz word for MPS. It also goes back to the days of the blue jays and the robins. Kids know what ability level they are at compared with their peers. When we separate the work the kids know. The way I handle it in my room is I often pair lower achieving students with higher. Each student is responsible for the work. My kids enjoy working together and teach one another, even the lower ones.

Assessments

I have become more aware that I need to assess my students more often. I informally assess on a daily basis. I need to do more formative in my class to give credit to my students on what they have learned. Also, I have to give more formative feedback to my students. I usually just mention, "good job" or "I know you can do better." This does not guide my students in a positive way. I feel if I prepared better assessments my students would have a more creative final approach to assignments. I would be able to see what efforts they put into their work. They would be able to use more of Bloom's thinking levels as well.

Digital Divides

It seems that I have read a lot about the Digital Divides this week. I am not sure what I feel after discussing topics with my group as well as reading about it for my article review. I do believe that students from minorities do not have the access at home that others may. I could not assign an assignment that involves computers for homework. It would have to be completed in school or after. I do think that my students are at a disadvantage because of the lack of resources. I wish there was a magic answer in order to help control the gap.