Differentiated Classroom Instruction

Differentiated classroom instruction means tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of each student. Our classrooms are made up of multi-level grades. This allows the teacher to become familiar with their students so while teaching new content, can also fill in gaps for students by using individual or small group instruction. 

Students benefit from small group rotations with our teacher.  We encourage students to read each night at home either by themselves or with their parents.

Writing is done weekly utilizing the EET (Expanded Expression Toolkit). Students will be given a topic, utilize the EET for their outline, write a rough draft, have it edited by the teacher, re-write, correct again, and then write their final copy.  Students are also taking notes and learning that good note taking will help their success on quizzes and exams. 

Creating good writing habits now will increase their writing skills for college and future careers. 

We have many opportunities for hands-on learning during the year. We typically include some type of art in conjunction with research projects.  Projects will be completed in school by the students. Students will work individually and in groups on projects that include researching, writing, drawing, and/or making displays.  

HOMEWORK - Research has shown that homework does not increase achievement in any significant way and in many situations decreases it.  It also causes anxiety in students and disrupts home life.  Therefore, we will not assign homework unless the student has not completed their work in school during the day.  We do encourage all students to read with their families each night. 

GRADES - All students will receive standard letter grades along with a Life Skills section.  

A 90 - 100     

B 80 - 89

C 70 - 79

D 65 - 69   

Life Skills Section

M  Mastered Concepts    

S  Satisfactory     

N  Not Demonstrated Consistently     

H  Needs Additional   Help   

ASSESSMENTS - Students are assessed on the work they complete at school through observation, questions and teacher assessments. We administer the MAP Growth assessment three times a year.  We are required by the Florida Department of Education to complete an annual assessment which is done in the late spring with the MAP Growth assessment.