Differentiation at Work, K-5

"Translates the need for differentiation into a format that breaks down the ′why′ into the ′how.′ By using conversations between real teachers and a coach as they undergo the endeavor of putting differentiation into practice, the authors have provided the means for practitioners to see firsthand how theory can become reality." —Jason Thompson, Fifth-Grade Teacher Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District, NY "This book has a great variety of lessons contributed by teachers—very well laid out and easy to follow. The book provides good examples of using differentiation across subject areas." —Wendy Rader, Kindergarten Teacher Union County Public Schools, Charlotte, NC Watch what happens when educators put differentiation to work in real classrooms! Every student has unique learning styles, interests, and preferences. By differentiating instruction, teachers can reach all the students in their classroom, from struggling students to the gifted. Based on research and the authors′ experiences at one remarkable elementary school, Differentiation at Work, K–5 describes what schoolwide differentiation looks like in real classrooms. Lane Narvaez and Kay Brimijoin show school administrators how differentiated instruction can be successfully implemented schoolwide and provide teachers with authentic tools for the classroom. Readers will find: Nine sample lesson plans from a variety of disciplines and grade levels, with materials included Voices of teachers, students, and other members of the school community describing their experiences with differentiation A chapter on supporting schoolwide implementation through coaching Preassessments to determine students′ prior knowledge Strategies for designing and refining lessons Applications at the district level This hands-on resource demonstrates how increased student achievement can become a reality when the entire school focuses on making differentiation work.