Between my two kids, they've had 12 general education teachers in gen ed classes. We've seen exactly one example of consistent and appropriate differentiated instruction and curriculum (DS's 2nd grade teacher.)
She had to hand write DS' math homework. She had to pull him aside individually a few times a week to teach him. And, she only did a decent job on the math, not in other areas. He did not make nearly as much progress as he could have with daily instruction exceeding 5 minutes. Much of that instruction happened after school.
Teachers must be able to (1) identify the need and magnitude, (2) know more than the child in that area, (3) have material and time resources to provide both curriculum and instruction, and (4) be sufficiently motivated to take the time to plan and carry out the differentiation. They also have to be able to establish a classroom atmosphere where the child does not feel singled out or other kids feel left out.
