Differentiating Instruction Module 1: Using the Effective DI Practices

This self-study module is part of NAGC's 5-module professional learning series on differentiated instruction. The basis for the series is the LEAP professional learning framework: Lead (with) Effective (and) Actionable Practice.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

Apply higher order thinking frameworks to differentiate questioning and assessment.
Analyze preassessment data for students with varying abilities and interests.
Apply principles of curriculum compacting and ongoing assessment.
Differentiate instruction within a problem-based inquiry task.

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Jessica LaFollete

Jessica LaFollette, Ph.D., teaches gifted children at Piper Middle School in Kansas City, KS, and is the chair of the special education department. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri where she teaches graduate courses in gifted education and differentiation. As Chair of NAGC’s Parent, Family and Community Network she serves on the editorial board of Parenting for High Potential and the NAGC Convention Committee. She is also the Past President of the Kansas Association for the Gifted, Talented and Creative and currently directs the professional learning opportunities for KGTC.

Teresa Mapson Reddish

Teresa Mapson Reddish, Ed.S., is a teacher, gifted and creative education specialist, and Gifted Endorsement Instructor in suburban Atlanta, GA. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on best practices in differentiated instruction for gifted and high-ability learners. She has served in a variety of roles for both the Georgia Association for Gifted Children (Co-facilitator for GAGC: Coalition for Access and Equity), and NAGC. She is a former Javits-Frasier Scholar, a member of NAGC’s writing team for the LEAP Framework, past chair of Early Childhood Network, and past chair of the Teaching for High Potential Advisory Board.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Differentiating Instruction Modules

Differentiating Instruction Module 1. Using the Effective DI Practices
Differentiating Instruction Module 2. Embedding Culture Into DI
Differentiating Instruction Module 3. Nurturing the DI Mindset
Differentiating Instruction Module 4. Using AI Tools to Differentiate Instruction and Assessment
Differentiating Instruction Module 5. Organizing and Managing Your DI Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Brittany Anderson, Lynette Breedlove, Donna Y. Ford, Shelagh Gallagher, Brian Housand, Tracy Inman, Andi McNair, Jessica Potts, Sally Reis, Julia L. Roberts, Lisa Van Gemert, and Marcy Voss

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Curriculum Design Module reviewers: Kimberle Curtis, Melissa Edmonds, Kristen Job, Katie Lewis, Carl Lund, Melanie Meyer, Emily Mofield, Bailey Nafziger, and Emily Stefanich.

Components visible upon registration.