Teaching Diverse Learners (EDU 201) Differentiation Study Guide (ELLs, IEPs, UDL, Assessment)
Michigan State University
Teaching Diverse Learners | Study Guide

Overview
A classroom-ready EDU study guide for supporting diverse learners: differentiation and UDL foundations, practical strategies for ELLs and students with IEPs/504s, and assessment moves that show up on teacher-ed exams.

Key topics
•UDL vs differentiation: what each means and when to use it
•language supports for ELLs (sentence frames, visuals, wait time, sheltered instruction basics)
•IEP/504 essentials (accommodations vs modifications) and examples teachers must know
•scaffolding and gradual release (I do/we do/you do) in lesson planning
•formative assessment moves (exit tickets, checks for understanding) and feedback basics

Suggested study tasks
•convert 5 lesson objectives into differentiated tasks for 3 learner profiles
•write 10 quick accommodations vs modifications examples for common classroom tasks
•create 8 ELL supports you can apply to any reading passage or word problem
•draft a UDL checklist (multiple means of representation, engagement, action/expression)
•practice 6 case-study short answers explaining what you would do and why

Common pitfalls
•writing generic differentiation without tying to a barrier
•confusing accommodations with changing the learning target
•overloading ELLs with language before meaning is established
•forgetting to plan formative checks until the end of a lesson
•assuming one strategy fits all students