Three versions of every lesson is not sustainable. A single strong task with planned entry points usually is.
Differentiation has a reputation for tripling the work. Three versions of every handout, three answer keys, three binders. It does not have to look like that.
One objective, three doors
Keep the objective fixed and change the support. Every student reaches the same verb; some get a sentence starter, some get a worked example, some get an extension.
Let the model do the tiering
Write the core task once. Then ask a model to produce a supported version and an extended version that keep the same objective. Review, trim, and print.
Before
Make this worksheet easier for struggling students.
After
Keep the objective identical. Add a worked example for question 1 and sentence starters for questions 2 to 4. Do not remove any question.
01Paste your source text.02Get a student version with numbered blanks and cues.03Get a teacher answer key.04Adjust blank count for each tier.
Differentiate the support, never the destination.
Try it with your team
Tier one lesson this week
- Choose a lesson with a clear objective
- Generate supported and extended versions
- Check that all three hit the same verb
- Let students pick their door