Is differentiated instruction necessary to meet the needs of all levels of learners within the environment based on learning styles, interests and readiness levels? Differentiated instruction involves daily assessment, formal or informal, lots of planning, and a classroom of learners working together as a community (Tilton, 2001). Differentiated instruction is a learner-centered instructional design model that recognizes that students have individual learning styles, motivations, abilities, and, therefore, willingness to learn. Differentiated instruction tailors learning to students’ unique differences. It is essential that teachers learn as much as possible about each student. Understanding students helps teachers make decisions to tailor appropriate materials and strategies to the needs of each learner. Strategies and activities are student-centered, readiness-based, planned with flexible grouping designs, and modified as needed to meet the needs of all learners. These personalized experiences give students access to all the information and skills they can absorb during their learning journey (Chapman and King, 2005). This approach meets the academic and related needs of a wide range of diverse learners in schools (Edwards, Carr, and Siegel 2006). Effective teachers in a differentiated classroom have always considered the uniqueness of their students (i.e., academic needs, talents, interests, learning styles) in planning, teaching, and lesson evaluation. Tomlinson (1999) describes other features of this approach, including engaging students through different learning modalities; the competition of each student with himself; flexibility in various aspects of the school day; teaching as a diagnostician; multiple ...... middle of paper ...... substantial support (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 404-613).Sparks, D. (Fall 2005). Differentiation within teacher learning in teams. Journal of Personnel Development, 26(4), 4.Stone, J.G. (2001). Building a classroom community: the role of the early childhood teacher. Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 16(3), 17-18. Tilton, L (2001). Inclusion: a new look; practical strategies to help all students succeed.Shorewood, MI Covington Cove Publications.Tomlinson, CA (1999). The differentiated classroom: meeting the needs of all learners. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Wong, HK and Wong, RT (1991). The first days of school. Sunnyvale, CA: Harry Wong Productions. Wong, HK and Wong RT (1998). The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher.Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications.