GATE Differentiation at Hawthorne Elementary

Definition of GATE Differentiation

Differentiation is adapting the curriculum to meet the unique needs of learners by making modifications in complexity, depth, and pacing. It may include selecting, rather than covering all the curriculum areas dependent on the individual needs of students.

Differentiation at Hawthorne Elementary

The purpose of GATE differentiation is to challenge the advanced learner. Hawthorne Elementary believes that curriculum should be differentiated, and in all classrooms there should be multiple paths for success. We serve GATE children in a cluster environment.

Tiered Assignments

One way to differentiate curriculum is with tiered assignments. This is when a teacher uses leveled assignments to ensure that students explore ideas in a way that builds on their prior knowledge and prompts continued growth. Student groups use multiple approaches to explore the central ideas.

Our sample lesson was taught by Mr. Brad Luhnow, in his fourth grade GATE Cluster class of 32 students.

Purpose of the lesson: Students will understand how fractions relate to decimals.

CA Math Standard: 1.6 Write tenths and hundredths in decimal and fraction notations and know the fraction and decimal equivalents for halves and fourths (e.g., 1⁄2 = 0.5 or .50; 7⁄4 = 1 3⁄4 = 1.75).

Educational Aids

• Base ten blocks• Hundred squares• Simplified graphs• Complex graphsThese manipulatives and aids allow extension in

thinking for more complex learners.

Anticipatory Set

Teacher reviewed prior knowledge of relationship between single square in hundred square and 0.01 and 1/100.

Guided Activity

In homogeneous groups, students explored relationships with aids and manipulatives of decimal numbers including parts and up to one whole.

Extension

Using complex graphs, advanced learners explored relationships of decimal numbers and parts exceeding one whole.

Evaluation

Using an “Exit Slip” strategy, students will be able to display understanding of basic, level, and advanced skills.