de Castro on Renzulli

Teachers-
This summer I attended a week-long conference/institute (otherwise known as Confratute) hosted by the University of Connecticut and in conjunction with the NYC Middle School Initiative, regarding the implementation of the Renzulli Learning System. Renzulli is an exciting and potent web-based learning tool that we plan on using this academic year. Designed by Joseph Renzulli and the University of Connecticut, the system is the result of years of research on differentiation and school enrichment. I invite you to explore the Renzulli website, http://renzullilearning.com/, to learn a little bit more about the system and begin to consider how we can implement this program at Urban Science Academy. As you explore the system, please consider the following questions:

Do we want to target this system to a specific class/grade/subject? Or do we want Renzulli to be used across the board?
Do we want to schedule in a specific Renzulli period?
Small groups or whole groups?
What support would you need in order to implement the Renzulli system in your class?

Finally here’s a brief, description of Renzulli Learning from their website:

Renzulli Learning is a Web-based learning coach that allows teachers to use differentiated curriculum in the classroom by creating individualized assessment of each child’s interests and preferred methods of engagement learning. It also delivers customized learning experiences to help them think and learn based on their personal strengths. It provides strength-based achievement; assists teachers; and raises student test scores. Renzulli Learning promotes engagement by fostering the love of learning among students. It is comprised of four key components providing a teacher’s assistant that determines how each student likes to learn.
Renzulli Profiler. The profiler allows teachers to receive a comprehensive learning assessment of each student’s motivational makeup in about 45 minutes. The Profiler focuses on goal setting and strength-based life skills development.
Renzulli Differentiation Search Engine. The differentiation search engine matches safe, classroom appropriate online and offline resources to each student’s interest areas and learning styles. Content and concept retention increases dramatically due to the personalized relevance of a topic.
Lesson Planning and Differentiation Tool. This allows teachers and students to work collaboratively on curricular topics, assignments, and projects. Teachers can differentiate and disseminate a lesson for each diverse segment of their classroom in less than 15 minutes.
Total Talent Portfolio. The talent portfolio stores student products and records in an individualized learning environment that tracks student’s progress. It is accessible anytime, anywhere and can transport student information from grade-to-grade, or school-to-school.