EDUC639R

Today, while developing our Rubrics we had an interesting conversation about Differentiated Instruction.  It is my belief that teachers should provide various resources to meet the needs of a variety of learners, but numerous options for a final product is not necessary to achieve differentiated instruction. It is the job of the teacher to provide a variety of opportunities for students to be successful in meeting the objective.  Moreover, as an educator in the Vo-tech school district, I am very conscious about what employability skills our students are required to have after graduation.  Employers want employees that can follow procedures and produce the final product that is assigned. Don’t get me wrong, I think options can be provided for some assignments, but I am not a fan of providing numerous options for every activity assigned in my class.  
Developing a rubric as a class is definitely a great idea when trying to engage students in the learning process.  It allows students to have some ownership over the project.  In addition, students will have an understanding of what is required because they were involved in the developmental process.  Students develop activities, and rubrics are great elements in effective curriculum.  However, it is my opinion that they cannot monopolize the curriculum.