Evaluation of the implementation of a differentiated approach in inclusive elementary schools

Authors

  • Devina Kusuma Wardani Universitas Sebelas Maret
  • Sri Marmoah Universitas Sebelas Maret
  • Sudiyanto Universitas Sebelas Maret

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v4i2.90551

Keywords:

CIPP model, differentiated approach, evaluation, inclusive school

Abstract

The differentiated learning approach tailors instruction to individual student characteristics, creating a personalized learning experience. However, its implementation in inclusive schools is often suboptimal due to limited teacher competency and time management. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of differentiated learning at SD Alam Aminah Sukoharjo using the Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model. This qualitative evaluative study collected data through observation, interviews, and document analysis involving the principal, class teachers, and special needs teachers. Data validity was ensured through the triangulation of sources and methods, while analysis was conducted through reduction, presentation, and drawing of conclusions. Evaluation using the CIPP model revealed that differentiated learning at SD Alam Aminah was functioning effectively. The context was supported by the school's inclusive vision and mission. Input included teachers, assistants, and adequate facilities. The process was evident in the implementation of differentiation in content, process, product, and the learning environment. The product was associated with improved learning outcomes, particularly in relation to individual abilities. Regular students met curriculum standards, while students with special needs received assistance through the Program Pendidikan Individual (PPI). This proves that differentiated learning is effective in creating an adaptive and inclusive learning environment.

 

Abstrak

Pendekatan pembelajaran berdiferensiasi menyesuaikan karakteristik individu peserta didik untuk menciptakan pengalaman belajar yang menyenangkan. Namun, penerapannya di sekolah inklusif sering kali belum optimal karena keterbatasan kompetensi guru dan pengelolaan waktu. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengevaluasi implementasi pembelajaran berdiferensiasi di SD Alam Aminah Sukoharjo dengan menggunakan model Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP). Penelitian evaluatif kualitatif ini mengumpulkan data melalui observasi, wawancara, dan analisis dokumen yang melibatkan kepala sekolah, guru kelas, serta guru pendamping khusus. Validitas data dilaksanakan dengan triangulasi sumber dan metode, sementara analisis dilakukan melalui reduksi, penyajian, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Evaluasi dengan model CIPP menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran berdiferensiasi di SD Alam Aminah berjalan baik. Context didukung visi dan misi sekolah yang inklusif. Input meliputi guru, pendamping, dan fasilitas memadai. Process tampak pada penerapan diferensiasi konten, proses, produk, serta lingkungan belajar. Product terlihat dari peningkatan hasil belajar sesuai kemampuan. Siswa reguler mencapai standar kurikulum, sementara siswa berkebutuhan khusus terbantu melalui Program Pendidikan Individual (PPI). Hal ini membuktikan pembelajaran berdiferensiasi efektif menciptakan lingkungan belajar adaptif dan inklusif.

Kata Kunci: evaluasi; model CIPP; pendekatan berdiferensiasi; sekolah inklusi

References

Ackah-Jnr, F. R., & Danso, J. B. (2019). Examining the physical environment of Ghanaian inclusive schools: How accessible, suitable and appropriate is such environment for inclusive education?. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 23(2), 188-208.

Afrisal, F., Septiano, B., & Sasono, S. (2025). Protecting children’s rights through inclusive schools for students with special needs: Legal and phenomenological perspectives. Indonesian Journal of Community and Special Needs Education, 5(2), 121-136.

Alwadai, M. A. M. (2024). The influence of vision and mission related to the Education and training evaluation commission accreditation in improving the quality of school education. Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research, 7(6), 1-16.

Aminuriyah, S., Al Ma'ruf, A. I., Destya, A., & Minsih, M. (2023). A case study of differentiated instruction at elementary school. Al-Ishlah: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(4), 6227-6240.

Anggoro, S., Fitriati, A., Thoe, N. K., Talib, C. A., & Mareza, L. (2024). Differentiated instruction based on multiple intelligences as promising joyful and meaningful learning. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 13(2), 1194–1204.

Anshori, M. (2025). Enhancing islamic religious learning outcomes in elementary schools: Evaluating the impact of the differentiated learning model. Al-Ishlah: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(1), 379-390.

Arianti, R., & Rini, R. (2022). Learning of children with special needs in inclusive schools. JOSR: Journal of Social Research, 2(1), 142-147.

Arista, E. N., Istiningsih, S., & Safruddin, S. (2022). Analisis persiapan guru dalam pembelajaran berbasis literasi numerasi di sekolah inklusi SDN 1 Sangkawana. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 7(4), 2453-2459.

Arjanto, P., & Telussa, R. P. (2024). Educational management strategies: Linking infrastructure, student activities, and academic performance. JPPI (Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Indonesia), 10(3), 163-174.

Damri, D., Indra, R., Tsaputra, A., Ediyanto, E., & Jatiningsiwi, T. G. (2023). Leadership evaluation and effective learning in an inclusive high school in Padang, Indonesia. Cogent Education, 10(2), 1-19.

Ediyanto, E., Mahanani, P., Aprilia, I. D., Ramadhani, R. S., & Wulandary, V. (2024). Optimizing inclusive education: Uncovering challenges and strategies in primary schools through a literature review. Mimbar Sekolah Dasar, 11(2), 385-395.

Fitri, A. Z. (2022). Inclusive education curriculum management with modification humanistic design. Journal of Social Studies Education Research, 13(3), 150-173.

Gaybullayevna, S. N. (2025). Types of differentiated instructions in teaching English: Differentiation of content and process. European Journal of Pedagogical Initiatives and Educational Practices, 3(3), 100-103.

Gheyssens, E., Consuegra, E., Engels, N., & Struyven, K. (2021). Creating inclusive classrooms in primary and secondary schools: From noticing to differentiated practices. Teaching and Teacher Education, 100(1), 1-9.

Goyibova, N., Muslimov, N., Sabirova, G., Kadirova, N., & Samatova, B. (2025). Differentiation approach in education: Tailoring instruction for diverse learner needs. MethodsX, 14(1), 1-9.

Hu, L. (2024). Utilization of differentiated instruction in K-12 classrooms: A systematic literature review (2000–2022). Asia Pacific Education Review, 25(2), 507-525.

Istiyati, S., Supianto, Marmoah, S., Poerwanti, J. I. S., & Sukarno. (2024). Elementary school teacher’s competence in implementing differentiated learning in Surakarta City. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(10), 7276-7284.

Kahmann, R., Droop, M., & Lazonder, A. W. (2024). Dutch elementary school teachers’ differentiation practices during science and technology lessons. Teaching and Teacher Education, 145(1), 1-10.

Kastanja, J., & Patilima, H. (2024). Optimizing early childhood learning interest through a differentiated learning approach. Journal of Childhood Development, 4(1), 314-320.

Khaira, H. S., Al Hafizh, M. F., Darmansyah, P. S. A., Nugraha, H., & Komara, D. A. (2023). Analysis of needs and teachers' perception towards business teaching materials at SMA Labschool UPI. Curricula: Journal of Curriculum Development, 2(2), 299-314.

Kupers, E., de Boer, A., Bakker, A., de Jong, F., & Minnaert, A. (2024). Explaining teachers’ behavioural intentions towards differentiated instruction for inclusion: Using the theory of planned behavior and the self-determination theory. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 39(4), 638-647.

Lambrecht, J., Lenkeit, J., Hartmann, A., Ehlert, A., Knigge, M., & Spörer, N. (2022). The effect of school leadership on implementing inclusive education: How transformational and instructional leadership practices affect individualised education planning. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 26(9), 943–957.

Lindner, K. T., & Schwab, S. (2025). Differentiation and individualisation in inclusive education: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 29(12), 2199-2219.

Maryanti, N., & Sartono, E. K. E. (2024). The influence of differentiated learning strategies by paying attention to different learning styles of students to improve science learning outcomes. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 9991–10000.

Melesse, T., & Belay, S. (2022). Differentiating instruction in primary and middle schools: Does variation in students’ learning attributes matter?. Cogent Education, 9(1), 1-20.

Nahdhiah, U., & Suciptaningsih, O. A. (2024). Optimization of kurikulum merdeka through differentiated learning: Effectiveness and implementation strategy. Inovasi Kurikulum, 21(1), 349-360.

Permana, J., & Lasmawan, I. W. (2023). Issues and problems of implementing inclusive education policies in elementary schools. Mimbar PGSD Undiksha, 11(2), 184-190.

Pozas, M., & Letzel-Alt, V. (2023). Teacher collaboration, inclusive education and differentiated instruction: A matter of exchange, co-construction, or synchronization?. Cogent Education, 10(2), 1-13.

Pratiwi, E. K., & Tyas, D. N. (2025). The effectiveness of implementing learning style differentiation on science learning interests and outcomes in elementary schools. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(4), 243–253.

Pratiwi, I. D., & Andriani, R. S. (2021). Implementation of joyful learning strategies in improving student learning outcomes in grade IV Islamic religious education subjects at SD Negeri 167102 Kota Tebing Tinggi. International Conference on Health Science, Green Economics, Educational Review and Technology, 3(1), 369-383.

Ramadhan, W., Rifana, F., Meisya, R., Putro, K. Z., & Frasandy, R. N. (2023). Analisis penerapan pembelajaran berdiferensiasi Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan (PPKn) dalam kurikulum merdeka sekolah dasar. Sekolah Dasar: Kajian Teori dan Praktik Pendidikan, 32(1), 1-14.

Rosyiddin, A. A. Z., Fiqih, A., Hadiapurwa, A., Nugraha, H., & Komara, D. A. (2023). The effect of interactive PowerPoint media design on student learning interests. Edcomtech: Jurnal Kajian Teknologi Pendidikan, 8(1), 12-24.

Safawi, S. S., & Akay, C. (2022). The effect of differentiated instruction approach on students’ academic achievement and attitudes: A meta-analysis study. Integrity Journal of Education and Training, 6(6), 120-132.

Sitanggang, R., & Ruslan, D. (2022). Effectiveness of environment-based differentiated learning design to improve learning outcomes of elementary school students. Jurnal Ilmiah Teunuleh, 3(1), 69-77.

Sujarwati, I. (2023). The differentiated learning strategy in implementation merdeka belajar curriculum to improve students’ learning outcomes of English lesson in elementary school. Cendikia: Media Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 13(5), 724-733.

Sulistianingrum, E., Fauziati, E., Rohmah, W., & Muhibbin, A. (2023). Differentiated learning: The implementation of student sensory learning styles in creating differentiated content. Jurnal Paedagogy, 10(2), 308-319.

Tupiño, R. M. L., Carcausto-Calla, W., Nakiche, K. C., Gamarra, S. K. S., & Shigetomi, E. E. G. (2023). Differentiated methodological strategies for inclusive education in basic education: Scoping review. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 13(6), 56-68.

Türkmen, H., & Edis, F. N. (2025). The effect of informal learning environment on learning wastes and recycling: The case of glass bead atelier. Science Insights Education Frontiers, 27(2), 4477-4499.

Wulandari, Y., Rustan, S., & Ilham, D. (2024). Unleashing student creativity: A dynamic look at" merdeka belajar" curriculum's impact. International Journal of Asian Education, 5(1), 21–33.

Zakiah, W. G., Karsidi, R., & Yusuf, M. (2021). The implementation of inclusive educational policies in elementary school. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran, 54(1), 130-140.

Published

2025-12-26

How to Cite

Wardani, D. K., Marmoah, S., & Sudiyanto, S. (2025). Evaluation of the implementation of a differentiated approach in inclusive elementary schools. Curricula: Journal of Curriculum Development, 4(2), 1519-1532. https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v4i2.90551