The main premise behind Differentiated Instruction is to make it possible for all children to learn. In order to accomplish this, a teacher needs to know about their students
how the students differ from one another
interests
learning preferences
pace
readiness and
motivation
The student profiles, which there are many examples of, help a teacher to get to know his/her students and to help him/her organize the classroom to accommodate instruction to meet the needs of as many children as possible in the classroom.