Differentiation: Celebrating Individuality in Learning

At the Advent school, we understand that every learner is unique. No two students are alike in how they learn, think, or approach tasks. Your understanding of this is where you'll see differentiation in our classrooms.

What is Differentiation?
Differentiation is like having a toolbox filled with diverse strategies, tools, and resources that allow students to reach their full potential. It recognizes that one size doesn't fit all and that every student may need something different to thrive.

Our teachers believe in the power of this approach. They know it's not about fitting every child into the same mold but allowing them to choose their path to the center of the learning circle.

The Power of Varied Skills
We celebrate diversity in skills and talents. Not every student is identical, and that's a good thing! Students in our classrooms bring unique strengths and abilities, and we celebrate their distinct thinking and mindsets to tackle tasks.

Real-World Application
Last year, Advent Fifth Graders mapped animal migration patterns. Their teachers asked the students to self-select groups of two or three to finish their mapping projects. Instead of dividing them into predetermined groups, the teachers let them choose how to collaborate. Students considered their strengths and interests – were they better at math, graphing, drafting, or something else? Students happily formed well-rounded groups where they could let their talent shine and support others.

Making Learning Visible
In our classrooms, differentiation is visible in various ways, from seating arrangements to tailored assignments. We want our students to know that we're here to help them succeed in their own way.

Consistency & Evolution
While we celebrate individuality, we strive for consistency in the educational experience. We have benchmarks for each grade level, and we reflect on and evolve our approach. We ensure that core skills and goals remain consistent while allowing the path to those goals to develop.

Encouraging Self-Advocacy
As students grow, they learn to advocate for themselves. They understand their strengths and challenges, and they're empowered to ask for the assistance they need. We want them to become confident learners who say, "I can do this, but I need some help here."

At Advent, differentiation is a practice that celebrates the individuality of each student and supports their journey to success. We're proud to see our students thrive in their own way.