Differentiated Instruction at Scale

The Differentiation Paradox

In the previous lesson, we explored creating assessments and rubrics. Now let’s build on that foundation. Every teacher training program teaches differentiation. Every administrator expects it. Every student needs it. And almost every teacher knows it’s one of the most time-consuming parts of the job.

You have 28 students. Five read two grade levels above. Eight struggle with the material. Four are English Language Learners. Three have IEPs. And the rest fall somewhere in the middle.

Creating truly differentiated materials for all of them? With traditional methods, that means producing three to five versions of every handout, every reading, every assignment. It’s not realistic when you’re already working 50-hour weeks.

AI changes the math. What used to take hours takes minutes. And the quality is often better because you can specify exactly what each version needs to include.

Multi-Level Reading Passages

The most common differentiation need: the same content at different reading levels.

The Multi-Level Text Prompt

Create the same informational passage at 3 reading levels:

TOPIC: [Topic]
CORE CONTENT: [Key facts and concepts ALL versions must include]
GRADE LEVEL: [Target grade]

Level 1 (Below grade level):
- Lexile: [target range, e.g., 600-700]
- Shorter sentences (10-15 words average)
- Common vocabulary with definitions provided
- Include a vocabulary box with key terms
- 200-250 words

Level 2 (On grade level):
- Lexile: [target range, e.g., 800-900]
- Standard sentence complexity
- Grade-appropriate vocabulary
- 300-350 words

Level 3 (Above grade level):
- Lexile: [target range, e.g., 1000-1100]
- Complex sentence structures
- Advanced vocabulary in context
- Includes additional depth and nuance
- 400-450 words

All versions must cover the same core content
and support the same learning objective.

Why This Matters

When all three groups read about the same topic at their level, everyone can participate in the same class discussion. That’s inclusive differentiation—not separate tracks, but different on-ramps to the same destination.

Quick check: Think of a reading assignment coming up in your class. Could you identify the 3-4 core concepts that every student needs, regardless of reading level? That’s your starting point.

Scaffolded Assignments

Scaffolding isn’t about making work easier—it’s about providing temporary supports so students can access rigorous content.

Math Scaffolding

Create a scaffolded version of this math assignment:

ORIGINAL PROBLEMS: [Paste your problems]
GRADE: [Grade level]
STRUGGLING STUDENTS NEED: [Specific support needed]

Create three versions:
SCAFFOLD LEVEL 1 (Maximum support):
- Include worked example for each problem type
- Add visual models or diagrams
- Break multi-step problems into individual steps
- Provide formula reference at the top
- Include number line or manipulative references

SCAFFOLD LEVEL 2 (Moderate support):
- Include one worked example per problem type
- Provide hints for the first problem in each set
- Include formula reference

SCAFFOLD LEVEL 3 (Minimal support):
- Same problems as original
- No additional support
- Include 2 extension problems that go deeper

Writing Scaffolds

Create scaffolded writing supports for this assignment:

ASSIGNMENT: [Description]
GRADE: [Grade level]

For STRUGGLING WRITERS:
- Sentence starters for each paragraph
- Word bank with transition words
- Graphic organizer pre-filled with structure
- Model paragraph to reference

For ON-LEVEL WRITERS:
- Graphic organizer (blank)
- Checklist of required elements
- Transition word list

For ADVANCED WRITERS:
- The assignment only
- An extension prompt that adds complexity
- Mentor text for style inspiration

ELL Support Materials

English Language Learners need specific supports that go beyond simplified text:

Adapt this lesson material for ELL students:

ORIGINAL MATERIAL: [Paste content]
STUDENTS' PROFICIENCY: [Beginning / Intermediate / Advanced]
STUDENTS' L1: [Primary language if relevant]

Provide:
1. Key vocabulary with simple definitions AND visual cues
2. Sentence frames for class discussion
3. Modified text with cognates highlighted (if applicable)
4. Graphic organizer that reduces language demand
5. Word bank for written responses
6. Assessment modifications that test content knowledge,
   not English proficiency

Sentence Frames for Different Purposes

Generate sentence frames for [topic] at [grade level]:

FOR DISCUSSION:
- Agreeing: "I agree with ___ because..."
- Disagreeing: "I see it differently because..."
- Adding on: "Building on what ___ said..."
- Asking: "Can you explain what you mean by...?"

FOR WRITING:
- Introducing a claim: "The evidence suggests that..."
- Citing evidence: "According to the text, ___..."
- Analyzing: "This shows that ___ because..."
- Concluding: "In conclusion, ___ is important because..."

IEP-Aligned Modifications

For students with Individualized Education Programs, AI can help you create specifically modified materials:

Modify this assignment for a student with these accommodations:

ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT: [Paste assignment]
ACCOMMODATIONS NEEDED:
- [e.g., Extended time]
- [e.g., Reduced number of problems]
- [e.g., Text read aloud]
- [e.g., Modified grading criteria]

IEP GOALS: [Relevant goals]

Create a modified version that:
- Maintains the same learning objective
- Respects the student's accommodations
- Aligns with their IEP goals
- Preserves dignity (doesn't look dramatically different from peers')

That last point matters deeply. Modified work should look similar to what other students receive. AI can maintain formatting consistency while adjusting content.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Differentiation isn’t just about support—it’s about challenge too:

Create extension activities for advanced students:

TOPIC: [What the class is studying]
GRADE: [Grade level]
BASE ASSIGNMENT: [What the rest of the class is doing]

Generate 3 extension options:
1. DEPTH: Go deeper into the same topic
   (research, primary sources, expert-level analysis)
2. COMPLEXITY: Add complexity to the base assignment
   (additional variables, competing perspectives, synthesis)
3. CREATIVITY: Apply knowledge in a creative way
   (design, create, teach, solve a real-world problem)

Each extension should be self-directed
(student can work independently while you support others)

Choice Boards and Learning Menus

Give students agency in how they demonstrate learning:

Create a choice board for:

TOPIC: [Topic]
GRADE: [Grade level]
STANDARDS: [Standards being assessed]

Design a 3x3 choice board (9 activities) where:
- Each row targets a different Bloom's level
- Each column uses a different modality (verbal, visual, kinesthetic)
- The center square is required for everyone
- Students choose 3-4 activities (including the center)
- All choices assess the same learning objectives
- Include clear success criteria for each choice

Batch Differentiation Workflow

Here’s the efficient workflow for differentiating an entire week:

Create your base lesson (Lesson 2 techniques)
Identify differentiation points — Where do students need different materials?
Batch-generate modifications — Create all levels at once per resource
Review for quality — Check accuracy, appropriateness, alignment
Print/distribute — Group materials by student, not by level

I have 5 materials that need differentiation this week.
For each, create Level 1 (below), Level 2 (on), Level 3 (above):

Material 1: [Brief description, core content]
Material 2: [Brief description, core content]
Material 3: [Brief description, core content]
Material 4: [Brief description, core content]
Material 5: [Brief description, core content]

Maintain consistent formatting across all levels.
Keep core content identical. Adjust complexity, scaffolding,
and vocabulary for each level.

Exercise: Differentiate One Lesson

Take a lesson you’re teaching this week:

Identify one reading passage or worksheet that needs differentiation
Generate three levels using the multi-level prompt
Create scaffolded writing supports for the assignment
Generate sentence frames for class discussion
Create one extension activity for advanced learners
Review all materials for accuracy and alignment

How long did it take compared to creating these manually?

Key Takeaways

AI makes true differentiation practical by generating multiple versions in minutes
Always specify core content that must appear in ALL versions—differentiation doesn’t mean different learning
Scaffold first, simplify second—students deserve access to grade-level thinking
ELL supports need specific elements: visual cues, sentence frames, cognate highlighting, word banks
IEP modifications should maintain dignity—modified work shouldn’t look dramatically different
Batch differentiation (all materials for the week at once) is the most efficient workflow

Next: using AI to give students better, faster, more personalized feedback.