Mod 8 Discussion: Tiering and Scaffolding in My Classroom

For my 4th grade math classroom focusing on the standard MA.4.NSO.2.2: Multiply two whole numbers, up to three digits by up to two digits, with procedural reliability, I would adopt a tiered instruction approach with significant scaffolding. I would focus on the amount of structure and guidance as well as the complexity of problems.

• Tier 1: Explicit step-by-step instructions, pre-filled graphic organizers, and teacher modeling ("I do, we do" heavily emphasized).

• Tier 2: Opportunities for peer collaboration and guided practice ("We do, you do" with support).

• Tier 3: Minimal direct instruction, independent practice, the ability to use a particular strategy of their choice. 

While all tiers cover the same benchmark the difficulty of the problems will vary. Tier 1 might focus on simpler numbers, while Tier 3 involves larger numbers, multi-step word problems, or problems requiring estimation.