Classroom redesign is being recognized globally as necessary to better increase student's enjoyment levels, engagement, collaboration, and learning. Instead of seeing traditional classrooms in a fixed setting where students are seated in rows facing the front of the room, classrooms are being arranged in multiple ways. As a result of this focus on…

Based on the theory of multiple intelligences, this guide is designed for teachers as they assist students through a progression from understanding multiple intelligences and their own intelligence strengths to developing strategies to set clear educational goals, discover their passions, and develop self-advocacy. The guide's units, each of which…

Research supports the belief that most students can learn, but each child concentrates, processes, absorbs, and remembers new and difficult information in a different way. Teaching failing students in ways that complement their learning styles increases their standardized test scores in several academic areas. Instructional practices useful with…

Current theories about teaching children to read overemphasize use of the left brain hemisphere. Children with a right-hemisphere dominance are likely to experience difficulties unless reading experiences are planned which capitalize on right-brain characteristics: divergent thinking and creative activities, hands-on experiences, and free reading.…

This article discusses the difficulties in meeting the needs of diverse student populations including those with learning and/or behavioral difficulties while meeting the demands of standards and accountability. It stresses the importance of matching the reading instructional program to the specific needs of the student and fine-tuning strategies…

Issues associated with differentiation of learner needs and instruction in second language teaching are discussed. Differentiation is distinguished from mixed-ability teaching in that the former places emphasis on the requirements of individual learners, while the latter concerns pupil management for teaching purposes. An introductory section…

This article reviews the literature on cooperative learning and ability grouping for gifted students and concludes that grouping, in and of itself, does not affect achievement and that grouping decisions need to be based on educational choices according to students' individual needs. Schools are encouraged to provide both ability grouping and…

This digest describes academic creativity and offers suggestions for its development in gifted students. Creative learning and learning by authority are contrasted and examples of each are given. The naturally creative behavior of young children is noted. Among suggestions offered to teachers are: respect the unusual questions of children; show…

This brief paper summarizes guidelines for adapting instruction for advanced learners in inclusive, mixed-ability middle school classrooms. A rationale for differentiating instruction is followed by consideration of what differentiation is and is not. Characteristics of a differentiated class are enumerated, including: instruction is concept…

A review of literature dealing with psychological needs, including work by Maslow (with explanations of comfort, security, the social instinct, ego gratification, and self actualization) serves as a foundation for an examination of the problem of motivating students. Two major causes of lack of motivation, poor teaching and poor curriculum, are…

This module (part of a series of 24 modules) is on alternative instructional strategies and school resources to be used to provide learning experiences adaptive to the needs and characteristics of individual students. The genesis of these materials is in the 10 "clusters of capabilities," outlined in the paper, "A Common Body of…

This module (part of a series of 24 modules) is on collaboration among school personnel in teaching handicapped students and using human resources in schools to develop responsive programs. The genesis of these materials is in the 10 "clusters of capabilities," outlined in the paper, "A Common Body of Practice for Teachers: The…

Students have diverse learning styles, and the challenge to educators is in designing a balanced curriculum across all styles, teaching essential content through a rich repertoire of instructional strategies. This short guide presents information essential to individualized teaching for diverse learning styles. The guide begins with an explanation…

Noting that the number of students served in special education programs has increased at alarming rates since 1975, this paper posits that this increase is due to recent social and political variables and their impact on the educational system. Special emphasis is placed on how state and local educational leaders respond to national education…

The 32 readings in this collection discuss the needs of children who are both gifted and also have special needs such as a disability ("twice exceptional"). The readings are grouped into four major sections. Section 1 is titled "Family Matters: Perspectives from Family Members" and includes the personal viewpoints of…