Department: Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology

Title: Differentiated Instruction in the Secondary Classroom: Analysis of the Level of Implementation and Factors that Influence Practice

Committee:
Dr. Charles Warfield, Chair
Dr. Walter Burt
Dr. Tyrus Wessell

Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
3208 Sangren Hall

Abstract:
Differentiated instruction is designing and implementing instruction to meet the needs of every student. Differentiated classrooms adjust to individual student’s needs through a combination of practices proven effective in teaching at the student’s point of learning acquisition. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which secondary teachers differentiate instruction and whether selected independent variables influence teachers’ use of differentiated instruction. Academic teachers were surveyed to determine the extent to which they utilized differentiated instructional strategies. Focus group meetings were conducted to delve deeper into understanding the information received from the teacher survey. Statistical analysis of the responses from teachers concerning the actual implementation of differentiated instruction revealed that there was only one of seven factors that had a significant influence on teachers’ use of differentiated instruction. The study concludes by offering recommendations that would benefit those interested in promoting differentiated instruction in a secondary school setting.

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