My aerobics instructor, who is an energetic mother of five children, approached me after a hard workout. She struck up a discussion with me regarding how teachers seem to be requiring more than the students are capable of providing in classes lately. As I collected my weights and patted the sweat off of my forehead, we entered into a conversation about changes in education that have been taking place in the schools and the country. It certainly isn’t the first time a concerned parent has talked to me about where their child will fit into our high standards and test driven schools. The burning question on parents’ minds is often, “What about my child?”

Teachers and administrators are acutely aware of what is expected of them. They also know about the techniques that could help students find success. Parents should be equipped with this information as well so that they can be advocates for their own children in the school setting.

It begins with pressure from the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislature that has made it law that by 2014 all students will be proficient in all subjects on standardized tests. The other law that comes into play is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which explains that whenever it is appropriate, students with disabilities should be included in the regular classroom. Imagine that you are a teacher with 28 students; some have a variety of disabilities, some are from different countries and English is their second language, and a few are gifted students thrown into the mix. These students each have individualized plans called IEPs to outline goals, objectives and accommodations that need to be made for them.

Parents of children that are “middle of the road” average students often wonder if other students are getting this individualized treatment, “What is happening with my child?” Are their abilities being spotlighted and are they able to live up to their potential? The solution to this question can lie in a technique called “Differentiated Instruction.”

I am a frequently requested presenter on this topic for school districts because many are realizing that education needs to be individualized for all students if all of the students are going to find success. Differentiated Instruction individualizes teaching for each student based on three main factors: learning profiles (how the student learns), abilities (exceptionalities, English as Second Language students, and the typical student), and interests (what the student finds intriguing). Once the teacher determines this, they can begin to supply the students with choices that meet their needs. Maybe your child really excels in technology; if the teacher were to differentiate her lessons, your child would be using technology to demonstrate learning more often whereas her best friend may be demonstrating the same concept through writing out the information and illustrating it. When information is taught in a way that suits personal learning needs and challenges students in their work, it generally can translate well in the testing situation.

My book, \”Differentiated Language Arts and Literacy Strategies for the Elementary Classroom\” provides practical strategies for how to meet the needs of all types of students. By allowing students to soar with their strengths, teachers and parents can help to open a world of learning for your child.

Author Bio: Dr. Shellie Hipsky is a Professor of Education at Robert Morris University. Her latest book \”Mentoring Magic: Pick the Card for Your Success\” is a powerful tool for students around the globe to network and find, form, and sustain a mentoring relationship. Please visit http://mentoringmagic.net

Category: Parenting
Keywords: Hipsky,school,mentoring,success,education,differentiated instruction,learning,teachers,parenting