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Identify one or two ways you can, as Dr. Black says, “build a structure [in your classroom] that also has a level of flexibility.”
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As an English teacher, one of the ways I structure my independent reading requirement for my students is giving them the choice of book and genre featuring a BINGO board. This gives flexibility for my students to choose books that interest them while making sure that they’re reading a variety of genres and practicing the reading and comprehension strategies we’ve talked about in class.
Another way I bring flexibility in a structured way is by giving a variety of types of assessments to monitor student progress and mastery. My assessments aren’t always paper and pencil tests. Often, I give my students choice in the way they show me what they’ve learned.
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I could use open-ended questions to facilitate student decision-making as they explore a question of genuine interest to them and of relevance within the field, all while honoring key principles of interpretation, etc.
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I can assess topics by offering different options: paper tests or project.
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I will give the parameters of a project, and give my students various ways to fulfill the assignment. For example, a video or presentation, or live performance, etc.
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Perhaps a good way would be a road map with a goal and milestones along the way. This would make a personal path for each student with accomplishments along the way. However, as a class we still move forward. Some would be left behind, but their support structure would gain strength.