Hallmarks of a Differentiated Classroom

What makes a classroom unique... HALLMARKS!!! In class this week we talked about the different hallmarks and the benefits to using them in the classroom. I have learned that hallmarks are key in understanding the needs of your students. Below are the first 5 hallmarks and information about how they can help the classroom:

1. A strong link between assessment and instruction: I was taught earlier this week that assessment and instruction to HAND in HAND, you can't have one without the other. If you don't assess your students, how are you expecting to instruct them to their needs? 
2. Absolute clarity about what the teacher wants the students to know, understand, and be able to do: this is like a road map because the teacher has a clear understanding of what is important by having the end goal in mind. The teacher can go a variety of ways to meet the needs of the students. 
3. Shared responsibility for the classroom is between teachers and students; make things work for everyone: this can be thought of like a staircase, this process is gradual and in order to get to the top you as the teacher need to work with the student and vice versa.
4. Individual growth is emphasized as central to classroom success: I liked this hallmark because it teaches that students shouldn't be compared or have to compete with other students; their learning and growth is due to what they have achieved personally. 
5. A "way up" usually through multiple and varied pathways, and never a "way down": this hallmark is simple, teach up to students and never down. When you teach down to students you aren't allowing them to grow in their learning.