What does the term "differentiated instruction" refer to?

Differentiated instruction refers to the practice of tailoring teaching methods to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students. This approach recognizes that students come to the classroom with varying backgrounds, skill levels, and interests, and it seeks to accommodate these differences to enhance overall learning outcomes. By adjusting instructional strategies, materials, and assessments, educators can provide multiple paths for students to engage with the content and demonstrate their knowledge. This method aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, have equitable access to learning and can achieve academic success.

In contrast, implementing a strict curriculum would not allow for the flexibility needed to respond to individual student needs, while standardizing testing emphasizes uniformity rather than personalized approaches. Restricting resources based on ability levels can be detrimental as it does not promote inclusivity or the support needed for all students to thrive.