Tiered Assignments

Tiered assignments are the most prescriptive, learner-responsive, and sophisticated strategy for

differentiation. -Heacox 

Use a tiered assignment when students differ on...

• Developmental stages• Readiness for learning• Learning preferences• Amount of structure or support• Amount of time, instruction or practice• Reading skill or prior knowledge• Whether instruction or a task is necessary or

appropriate

Use a tiered assignment when

you know...

• something will be too easy or hard for some students

• some students need more basic work or others need more complex work

Tomlinson’s EqualizerFoundational

Concrete

Simple

Fewer Facts

Smaller Leap

More Structured

Clearly Defined Problems

Less Independence

Slower Pace

Transformative

Abstract

Complex

Multi-Faceted

Greater Leap

More Open

Fuzzy Problems

Greater Independence

Quicker Pace

Steps in Designing

Tiered Assignments

What makes a well-designed tiered assignment?

Exploration

• In self-selected groups…– Explore the tiered lessons

that Strickland has provided

– Share examples of what you have done

– Discuss what options texts may include (may not always be the best)

Lesson Planning

• Working alone or together, create a tiered lesson plan using the worksheet at the back of your packet

• Start with the KUD