Performance Tasks Tip #2 – Is this too hard, too easy, or just right for my students?

Screen Shot 2019-07-03 at 3.33.06 PM

Is this too hard or too easy for my students? 

  • It’s just right! We’ve got tools to adjust and differentiate every Performance Task
  • NextLesson uses Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Chart to build Performance Tasks

How can Performance Tasks be Differentiated?

From year to year, the students in our classrooms can change dramatically. Whew! It can be head-spinning for lesson planning. Their emotional needs and current skill levels affect how they approach learning what we are teaching, and as educators, we want to be in tune with this.  

While we cannot heal trauma and challenges away from school overnight, we can make our classrooms a safe and nurturing place where the teacher understands each individual. To help you meet the needs of all the students in your classroom, we first planned Performance Tasks in levels. 

Two Quick Ways to Get Started with Differentiation

#1 Differentiate the Performance Task Choice

The very first way to differentiate with Performance Tasks is to choose one that is below your grade level for students who have skill gaps. Choose one that matches the readiness for students working above grade level. Students will never see the grade level of any work that is assigned to them. Grade levels are advisory for the teacher and tied to Common Core State Standards, but disappear on student view. 

#2  Assign Portions of the Performance Task to Groups of Students

Performance Tasks are structured to grow in rigor from Level 1 to the Finale. A comparison of Webb’s Depth of Knowledge levels with NextLesson’s Performance Task levels shows how similar the expected rigor will be.

Screen Shot 2019-07-03 at 3.42.13 PM

What is your purpose?

  • If your purpose is skill practice only, then assigning Levels 1-2 would be the best. 
  • If your purpose is to apply strategic thinking to a concept, assigning Levels 1-3 is best.  
  • If you have the time for a deeper dive, the entire Performance Task could be assigned.

Assigning a Portion of a Performance Task to Your Group A:

  • Open the Performance Task
  • In the Lesson Settings view, lock sections not being assigned to students.
  • Click the Share icon on the menu tab on the right
  • Select the class or group (create the group in Class Manager first)
  • Click Save

Assigning a Portion of a Performance Task to Your Group B:

  • In upper left Editions drop-down, select Make a Copy.
  • In the Lesson Settings view, lock sections not being assigned to students.
  • Click the Share icon on the menu tab on the right
  • Select the class or group (create the group in Class Manager first)
  • Click Save

Continue assigning like this if needed.