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Leaf Pattern

Differentiation & Tier One Intervention: What It Actually Means for Your Kid ๐Ÿ“šโœ๏ธ

Writer's picture: Sophia WhitehouseSophia Whitehouse

Updated: 6 days ago

How Schools Individualize Learning (Without Losing Their Minds) ๐ŸŽ“

Welcome to Post Oneย in our 10-part seriesย on how public schools support students at different ability levels. If you've ever felt lost in the maze of school interventions (and letโ€™s be real, who hasnโ€™t?), weโ€™re breaking it down for youโ€”no jargon, no nonsense.


So where does your child start?

Whether they have special needs, are academically gifted, or fall somewhere in between,ย every student begins in the general education classroomย with a regular education teacher.ย That teacherโ€™s job? To make learning work for everyone.ย Easy, right? (Cue teacher laughter in the distance.)


What is Differentiation?ย ๐Ÿค”

Differentiation is the fancy word for "teaching in a way that works for all students."ย It means teachers adjust their instruction to fit:

โœ”๏ธ Different ability levels

โœ”๏ธ Learning styles

โœ”๏ธ Cultural backgrounds

โœ”๏ธ Attention spans

โœ”๏ธ Interests


Sounds simple? Itโ€™s not.


Imagine a doctorโ€™s office with 30 patients in one roomโ€”all with differentย medical conditions. Now imagine the doctor has to treat all of them at the same time,ย keep detailed notesย on each, be available for family questions, and avoid any misdiagnosisย (or lawsuits). Thatโ€™s basicallyย what teaching in a public school is like.


Teachers do their absolute bestย to meet studentsโ€™ needs, but theyโ€™re juggling A LOT. Burnout is real. Pay is low. And resources are limited.ย Keep that in mind when you first raise concerns about your child.


What is Tier One Intervention?ย ๐Ÿ“–

Before any formal intervention plan kicks in, schools start with Tier One interventionsโ€”a.k.a. extra support in the general classroom.


๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • A student struggling with reading fluencyย might get extra small-group practice.

  • A student with behavior challengesย might start with a class-wide behavior incentive.


Key Takeaway?ย Tier One happens first, itโ€™s done by the general education teacher, and it shouldnโ€™t require extra meetings beyond regular communication with your childโ€™s teacher.


Coming Next Weekโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ“Œ Part Two: Building-Level Intervention Plans & Informal Accommodations


Have questions about school support systems, IEPs, 504 Plans, or interventions?ย Weโ€™re here to help.


๐Ÿ“ž Call or text: 614-470-4466

๐Ÿ“ง Email: admin@achievepsychology.org

๐ŸŒ Visit: www.achievepsychology.org



Teacher and children in a bright classroom, drawing and smiling around a table. Warm and creative atmosphere with colorful art supplies.

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