Professional development in differentiated instruction provides teachers with the tools they need to provide learning opportunities for all students. Learning about new research-based teaching methods that best meet the needs of students in a mixed-ability classroom helps teachers bring new ideas and teaching strategies to students of different levels and styles. When put into practice, differentiated instruction methods put content objectives and curriculum goals into meaningful context for all students.
One of the biggest challenges of differentiated instruction is assessing all students fairly, regardless of their learning level or style. Giving teachers the opportunity to participate in professional development for differentiated instruction keeps them up-to-date on assessment tools that best meet the needs of mixed-ability classrooms. Standard assessment tools do not measure student progress in mixed-ability classrooms as thoroughly as tools designed specifically for differentiated instruction. Attending professional development opportunities gives teachers the chance to test out new assessment methods appropriate for their classrooms.
Mixed-ability classrooms give greater opportunities for high-achieving students than regular classrooms. Providing professional development opportunities in differentiated instruction gives teachers the resources to provide enrichment opportunities for students who are high achievers and who are certified gifted. In a regular instruction classroom, gifted students often go unchallenged. Differentiated instruction professional development workshops provide teachers with best practices to meet curriculum goals in a meaningful way for high-achieving students.
Administrators are continually challenged to provide for different learning styles during important standardized testing times. Professional development in differentiated instruction helps administrators and those in school guidance departments understand and provide for different learners and exceptional students during testing time. Learning what it takes to test in a differentiated classroom environment helps administrators achieve an appropriate testing environment for all students.