Principles of Differentiated Curriculum

Often educators have a misconception of what differentiating the curriculum means.  In order for you to have a clear understanding of the principles that influence differentiated curriculum, read the full position paper from the NAGC. Differentiation of Curriculum and Instruction. Retrieved September 11, 2007, from National Association for Gifted Children.

The Curriculum Council of the National/State Leadership Training Institute on the Gifted and Talented, developed the Principles of a Differentiated Curriculum for the Gifted/ Talented, which provides more informal guidelines. These guidelines:

• Allow for the in-depth learning of a self-selected topic within the area of study

• Develop independent or self-directed study skills

• Focus on open-ended tasks

• Evaluate student outcomes by using appropriate and specific criteria through self-appraisal, criterion referenced and/or standardized instruments