Deciding to pursue a master’s degree is a big decision. If you are asking yourself if you want to earn a master’s degree, you are likely researching different programs and what they have to offer you and your students. Earning a master’s in differentiated instruction is an option you should consider.
What is a Master’s in Differentiated Instruction?
In the field of education, there are multiple options when choosing a master’s degree. Differentiated instruction is one of those options. Everyone learns differently and has different interests. This is true for students, both young and old. Differentiating instruction ensures that these varying needs and interests are met.
Differentiation involves tailoring education to meet the individual needs of each student. Since students have various learning styles, different learning needs, and are on different readiness levels, it is imperative that teachers differentiate instruction in order to meet students where they are and grow students as much as possible. Anyone who spends a considerable amount of time in the classroom realizes that different students need different teaching strategies. Most teachers naturally develop teaching habits and ways to meet the needs of their students.
Digging deeper into the meat of what it means to truly differentiate for learners is a fascinating journey In order to gain more information on how to effectively differentiate instruction, you can build on the knowledge you already have of differentiation by earning a master’s degree. This type of degree is designed to help teachers apply purposeful and engaging strategies that reach each learner and help them access the curriculum in a way that is personalized and allows them to be successful. Such degrees provide knowledge on effective practices and strategies for differentiating, alternatives to traditional classroom learning, educational research, differentiation for gifted students and students with special needs, and how to differentiate across content areas.
Educators that take part in such a master’s program can gain a deeper understanding of how to differentiate instruction in a way that is effective for English language learners, gifted learners, at-risk students, or students that are considered learning disabled. Graduates of master’s degree programs in this area learn how to differentiate content (what students are learning), process (how students are learning), product (how students demonstrate learning), and learning environments (where and with whom students learn).
Earning a master’s degree can prepare you to implement best practices regarding differentiation in the classroom, as well as outside of the classroom. Once you complete your degree, you may choose to move outside of the classroom into a role such as an instructional coaching or intervention specialist. Both of these positions require educators to have expertise in the area of adapting instruction to meet the needs of students. These positions also provide opportunities for leading other educators and colleagues in differentiating instruction for their own students.
Benefits and Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree in Differentiated Instruction
Benefits of getting a master’s in differentiated instruction are many! A master’s degree in this area allows learners to gain knowledge of differentiation methods necessary to teach all learners in diverse areas and classrooms. Furthermore, learners are able to develop leadership skills such as completing needs assessments, improving communication, increasing knowledge of adult learning, and measuring efficacy of differentiation strategies being used. In gaining more knowledge regarding differentiation, learners can support other staff at their site in differentiating instruction for students, making a greater impact on education as a whole.
A master’s degree in education can include many titles and majors including: administration, counseling, curriculum and instruction, elementary and/or secondary education, general education, special education, and more. So why choose differentiated instruction? By completing a graduate degree in the area of differentiated instruction, educators are able to apply their knowledge in so many different areas. Differentiated instruction can be applied to an administrative role, a counseling role, an instructional coaching role, a classroom role, or a special education role. This degree is a stepping stone for those who aspire to be leaders in their buildings, districts, and fields.
Those that earn a master’s in differentiated instruction also gain the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to teach adult learners. School leaders often refer to needs made evident in their School Improvement Plans when determining what professional development is needed for their staff. If data reveals a need for closing achievement gaps or raising performance percentages for subgroups, professional development in differentiated instruction can be a strategy to help schools reach their instructional and performance goals.
According to the ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), there are three key ideas that should drive professional development in the area of differentiation. These include:
- High-quality professional development leads teachers to gain and refine knowledge of both content and pedagogy.
- High-quality professional development demonstrates best practices in teaching and learning, assisting adult learners with varied interests, readiness levels, learning profiles, and help them feel like they are part of a community of learners.
- High-quality professional development has a positive impact on schools and classrooms regarding teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
Educators that participate in in a graduate program regarding differentiated instruction will be able to focus staff development efforts around those key ideas and will be able to provide teachers, schools, and even districts with tools to implement high-quality instruction that will meet the needs of all students, thus positively impacting school improvement efforts and outcomes.
In an ever-changing world, those in the business of education must change with the times. With each year that passes, educators must model a lifelong learner attitude by learning new content, new strategies, and new ways to meet the needs of their students. Whether this happens inside or outside of the classroom, knowledge gained from a master’s program on how to differentiate instruction proves to be invaluable and timeless.
