Differentiated Instruction

Graceland University is proud to offer an online Master of Education in Differentiated Instruction based on the work of Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson. Dr. Tomlinson, who appears as a video instructor in several of the program’s courses, is a world-renowned expert in differentiated instruction and assessment strategies and techniques. Dr. Tomlinson is author of The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms and Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom: Strategies and Tools for Responsive Teaching.

Also featured in the program is Dr. William Glasser, author of several books on education including Choice Theory, The Quality School and Every Student Can Succeed. Dr. Glasser’s educational approach fosters instructional approaches like differentiated instruction that meet student’s individual needs and strengths.

This is the first Master of Education program to combine the ideas of Drs. Tomlinson and Glasser into a comprehensive course of study to help teachers meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population within the context of today’s challenging standards-based curriculum.

Differentiated instruction and assessment strategies covered in the master’s program include: pre-assessment of learning styles and preferences, monitoring and managing student learning, modifying lessons based on student readiness, tiered instruction, flexible grouping and authentic assessment. The program is open to all certificated K – 12 teachers who are currently teaching. The program is video- and online-based and there are no residency requirements.

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The Master of Education in Differentiated Instruction is modeled after and utilizes courses from Graceland University’s awarding-winning Master of Education in Quality Schools. This program was honored with the United States Distance Learning Association’s Platinum Award, which is their highest honor.

“We are honoring Graceland University’s School of Education as a leader in the industry,” said John G. Flores, CEO of USDLA. “Graceland University’s School of Education has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by their contributions to the distance learning industry.”

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Practical: Learn quality teaching techniques you can use immediately

• Convenient: Study at home or school
• Affordable: Priced to fit an educator’s budget
• Valuable: Use this fully accredited degree for career advancement
• Enjoyable: View video(DVD) of master teachers applying course content in real classrooms
• Rewarding: Apply what you have learned to help all your students succeed
• Collaborative: Share the excitement of learning with your faculty mentor and colleagues

During a two-year period, a cohort of teachers will participate in 30 semester hours of continuously sequenced course work. Students will present an action research project and a presentation to their peers.

Teaching Students Responsible Behavior
This course is designed to give teachers the theory and skills to teach students how to take responsibility for their own behavior in school. Based on the work of Dr. William Glasser, it leads participants through a series of learning activities designed to instruct them how to teach their students the concepts of Choice Theory and to plan and implement a program of Responsibility Training in their classrooms.

Designed to help participants extend the application of differentiated instructional and assessment strategies in their classrooms and in the process gain experience in the creation of a professional portfolio. The portfolio development guidelines in this course are aligned with the standards set by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. In the process of creating their portfolios, participants learn how to effectively describe,

This course is designed to give teachers the theory and skills to create lesson plans that meet the basic psychological needs of students and gain their cooperation in the learning process. Based on the works of Drs. William Glasser, David Johnson and Roger Johnson, it leads participants through a series of learning activities designed to instruct them in the concepts of Choice Theory and Cooperative Learning and how these concepts can be combined in a program of instruction and behavior management.

Provide teachers the knowledge and skills to apply previously learned Choice Theory concepts to commonly occurring classroom discipline problems. As a course outcome, participants will develop a personalized plan designed not only to solve discipline problems but also to help students take responsibility for their own behavior.

Teachers acquire the theory and skills to improve communication with parents, hold more effective parent conferences and implement strategies that build a collaborative partnership between school and home. The course provides theoretical foundations and implementation designs that prepare teachers to work more effectively with parents to improve student achievement.

Teachers focus on the practical application of Dr. William Glasser’s theories regarding competency-based education, authentic assessment and real-world teaching strategies that help to ensure the success of every student. Teachers develop and apply instructional strategies that foster student self-management, cooperative learning, problem solving and the production of quality school work.

Applying Learner-Centered Instruction
Provides an introduction to the philosophy of differentiation. This course will examine ways that classrooms can effectively support differentiating instruction and assessment to address the complex challenges of meeting the diverse learning needs of all students. Also covered are such issues as fairness and grading, developing study and academic skills and challenging all students at appropriate levels.

Meeting the Diverse Needs of Students
This course is designed to give participants the knowledge and skills to implement differentiated instruction successfully in their own classrooms. Topics include strategies for meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student population within the context of today’s challenging standards-based curriculum. Real-life video demonstrations will illustrate how to adapt curriculum content, processes and products to match students’ readiness, interests and learning profiles.

Identifying Learners’ Strengths and Needs
This course is designed to teach participants how to gather information through formal and informal assessment that will help them plan instruction more effectively. This course will teach participants how to best utilize tests, surveys, checklists and guidelines to accurately assess their students’ progress and plan for their continued success. Participants will also learn how to use ongoing assessment and assessment during learning to improve the effectiveness of their lessons.

Instructional Strategies for All Students
This course is designed to present participants with practical strategies to maximize learning for all students, including those with special needs. Participants will learn inclusive teaching techniques first hand with video visits to classrooms where teachers are successfully educating both general and special education students. Course learning activities will teach you how to design and implement curriculum modifications and activity adaptations based on the strengths and needs of students.