Author: Brooklyn Daigle

Disclosure: ChatGPT was used in the making.

Tiered instruction is an educational strategy designed to address the diverse learning needs of students within a single classroom setting. This approach recognizes that students possess varying levels of readiness, interests, and aims to provide differentiated instruction to meet these diverse needs effectively.

Key Components of Tiered Instruction:

Assessment of Student Needs:

• Before implementing tiered instruction, teachers conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the individual strengths, weaknesses, and the academic abilities of the student. This may include formal and informal assessments, observations, and conversations with students.

Tiered Lesson Design:

• Based on the assessment data, teachers create differentiated lesson plans that cater to the diverse needs of students. These lessons typically consist of three tiers:

• Tier 1: Basic instruction that addresses the core concepts and skills for all students.

• Tier 2: Additional support or enrichment activities for students who require extra assistance or challenge beyond the core instruction. Typically focused around small groups for more one-on-one support.

• Tier 3: Intensive instruction focused around specific content and/or skills for students who struggle with mastering the core concepts, often involving smaller group instruction or individualized learning plans.

Flexible Grouping:

• Tiered instruction often involves flexible grouping, where students are grouped and regrouped based on their specific learning needs for different parts of the lesson or unit. This allows teachers to provide targeted instruction and support to different groups of students as needed.

Differentiated Instruction:

• Within each tier, teachers employ various instructional strategies, materials, and resources to accommodate students' diverse learning needs. This may include hands-on activities, visual aids, technology integration, cooperative learning, and scaffolding techniques.

Ongoing Progress Monitoring:

• Throughout the implementation of tiered instruction, teachers continuously monitor students' progress and adjust instruction accordingly. This involves regular formative assessments, observations, and feedback to ensure that students are making meaningful progress towards their learning goals. It is essential to have ongoing progress monitor

  motivation. Smaller groups, like for tier 2 and tier 3, allow for more opportunities for individualization.

• Addressing Learning Differences: Tiered instruction enables teachers to address the diverse learning needs of students, including those with learning disabilities, English language learners, and gifted learners.

• Improved Achievement: Research suggests that tiered instruction can lead to improved academic achievement, as it provides targeted support and challenge to students at their instructional level.

In conclusion, tiered instruction is a powerful instructional approach that promotes equity, engagement, and academic success by accommodating the diverse learning needs of students within the classroom. By implementing tiered instruction effectively, educators can create a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.

Watch on YouTube

Sources:

Using Tiered Instruction To Maximize Student Outcomes | Kodable. (n.d.). Www.kodable.com. https://www.kodable.com/learn/tiered-instruction-student-outcomes