Classroom Practices Inventory

Classroom Practices Inventory

      The curriculum serves as the basis for my instruction.  However, there are many units where I find myself being more flexible designing units based on the variety of learners in my classroom.  Personally, I enjoy having the flexibility when it is available but I must admit I do guide the majority of my units by covering the curriculum.  The curriculum does not lend much time for flexibility.  My classroom design changes year to year based on the needs of the students in my classroom.  I will admit that there have been years where the majority of my students spend more time focusing on the basics rather than more in depth thinking.  As a teacher, I wish this was not the case.  What is happening to the handful of the students who require more in depth thinking?  

    I do try designing units where I can allow some students to work at their own pace on more in depth topics, however, due to limited resources and aids I do not always have this opportunity. I would like to find more resources and readings that are leveled by student ability.  In my classroom I use a variety of instructional formats.  I know this is very beneficial to the students however it also keeps me motivated as there teacher using various ways to present information.  

    At the end of each unit, I set aside time to apply critical thinking skills and applications.  I wish there was more time to include this throughout the unit.  It is always exciting to see what kids have learned at the end of the unit by taking a more in depth approach to the designed topic.  The majority of the units I teach end with some sort of assessment. However, throughout units the students complete at least two formative assessments.  This helps me see where my students are in a current unit.  If the students do not understand the material the first time, I redesign the method of instruction.  

     Personally I believe differentiation in the classroom is extremely important.  However, I do believe many teachers fear differentiation due to state mandated curriculums.  It is unfortunate that we as teachers feel pressured to teach to tests and are limited to the amount of differentiation in the classroom.