Indeed, McTighe and Brown (2005) found that achievement gaps decreased, students showed increases in independence and self-expressiveness, and demonstrate their learning in ways that highlight their skills and passions (pp. 237-239). Meeting students' needs provides them with a fair and equitable education as each student accesses learning at a level appropriate for him or her. This will also increase student motivation, as students are more likely to be engaged in learning that is tailored to them. Dotger & Causton-Theoharis (2010) argue that “when students are allowed to express what they need to learn and we meet that need with our teaching, we see students who are more motivated, interested and willing to share their ideas with peers of class” (p. 22). Elizabeth Shirley (2012) also suggests that students will benefit when teachers create real-world lessons through the use of themes so that they will be highly engaged in the content taught (p..