Differentiated Instruction Institute

The Differentiated Instruction Institute offers courses for educators to build their skill in supporting and empowering diverse learners. 

Below are some of the institute courses for graduate credit that are currently accepting applications.Complete our online application form now and select courses.

Learn more about scholarships on our Resources for Funding Your Education page.

  • Interventions for Behavior and Classroom Management
  • Language Assessment and Classroom Practice (Online)
  • Legal Perspectives in Special Education (Online)
  • Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners
  • The Inclusive Classroom
  • Teaching English Language Learners
  • Assessment and Instruction for Exceptional Learners

Interventions for Behavior and Classroom Management
X.SPED-416-01

Instructor: Gwen Bass
Dates: Dec 21, 2017 and January 2-19, 2018 (online)
Class Meeting Times (online or in classroom): Thu Dec 21, 7-8 pm & Tuesdays Jan 2 and 9, 5-8 pm.            
Students will also be expected to participate online Jan 2-19, 2018
Tuition: One Graduate Credit - $681

In this course, students will review research, theories, and practices for responding to challenging behavior.Topics will include establishing effective rules and procedures, classroom- and school-wide behavior management systems, and approaches for addressing individual student behavior and developing relationships with children and support professionals to improve behavior across settings.

Language Assessment and Classroom Practice (Online)
X.ELL-416-01

Instructor: Kathryn Accurso
Dates: January 2-19, 2018
Class Meeting Times: online
Tuition: Two Graduate Credits - $1362

Brief introduction to theory and practice in assessing students' academic English proficiency.Students will learn about purposes of and types of language assessments (e.g., large-scale standardized tests like WIDA ACCESS, alternative assessments like portfolios, formative assessments) and practice designing oral language assessment tasks and using rubrics to evaluate student writing.

Legal Perspectives in Special Education
X.SPED-471-01

Instructor: Kelly Mosher
Dates: January 2-19, 2018
Class Meeting Times: online
 Tuition: One Graduate Credit - $681

This course will review state and federal laws and regulations that represent the requirements for special education.Participants will be introduced to concepts including educational terminology for students with mild to moderate disabilities; preparation, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); review of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to special education and the history of special education. The class will include (hybrid:virtual or in-person) weekly synchronous meetings as well as asynchronous learning modules that students will complete independently.

 

 

Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners

Instructor: Amy Chang and Renee Greenfield
Dates: Summer TBD
Class Meeting Times: TBD
Location: Mount Holyoke College (TBA) See Campus Map
Tuition: $1362  

This course will address the design and modification of curriculum, instructional materials, and general education classroom environments for students with moderate disabilities. Students will learn ways to prepare and maintain students with disabilities to succeed in general education classrooms, to monitor academic and behavioral progress, and to make instructional decisions accordingly.Students will experiment with a variety of technological tools for teaching PreK-12 such as applications and web-based tools that for student engagement and progress monitoring. Coverage will include instruction on assistive technology, including AAC, to support students with disabilities to learn in the least restrictive environment. 

The Inclusive Classroom

Instructor: Gwen Bass
Dates: Summer TBD
Class Meeting Times: TBD
Location: Mount Holyoke College (TBA)
Tuition: $1362

This course surveys the etiology, diagnosis, and remediation of learning differences including dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, and autism, as well as other factors that influence a child's readiness to learn.Students present, discuss, question, and exchange ideas that contribute to an overall understanding of special education across settings and age levels.With an emphasis on inclusion in schools, students explore the impact of current policies, assessments, and practices.Students will have the opportunity to examine and practice applying interventions and approaches that support student engagement and prosocial behavior. The focus is on adapting the learning environment, classroom structures, and teaching approach so that all children, regardless of learning strengths and needs, are supported to reach their potential and achieve meaningful goals.