How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms, 2nd Edition (Professional Development)

In this 2nd edition of a book that has provided inspiration to countless teachers, Carol Ann Tomlinson offers three new chapters, extended examples and information in every chapter, and field-tested strategies that teachers can use in today's increasingly diverse classrooms. Tomlinson shows how to use students' readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles to address student diversity. In addition, the author shows teachers how to differentiate, or structure, lessons at every grade level and content area to provide "scaffolds"--as well as high-speed elevators--for $ The content of lessons, $ The processes used in learning, and $ The products of learning. Teachers can draw on the book's practical examples as they begin to differentiate instruction in their own classrooms. Strategies include curriculum compacting, "sidebar" investigations, entry points, graphic organizers, contracts, and portfolios. As Tomlinson says, "Differentiation challenges us to draw on our best knowledge of teaching and learning. It suggests that there is room for both equity and excellence in our classrooms. Noting that teachers in mixed-ability classrooms face multiple challenges at every grade level, this book provides guidance for teachers who are interested in creating learning environments that address the diversity typical of mixed-ability classrooms. The principles and strategies included can help teachers address a variety of learning profiles, interests, and readiness levels. The goal of the book is to help teachers determine what differentiated instruction is, why it is appropriate for all learners, how to begin to plan for it, and how to become comfortable enough with student differences to make school comfortable for each learner. Numerous practical examples assist teachers to use instructional strategies such as curriculum compacting, entry points, graphic organizers, contracts, and portfolios. The chapters are: (1) "What Differentiated Instruction Is--And Isn't"; (2) "The Rationale for Differentiated Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms"; (3) "The Role of the Teacher in a Differentiated Classroom"; (4) "The Learning Environment in a Differentiated Classroom"; (5) "A Look Inside Some Differentiated Classrooms"; (6) "Strategies for Managing a Differentiated Classroom"; (7) "Preparing Students and Parents for a Differentiated Classroom"; (8) "The How To's of Planning Lessons Differentiated by Readiness"; (9) "The How To's of Planning Lessons Differentiated by Interest"; (10) "The How To's of Planning Lessons Differentiated by Learning Profile"; (11) "Differentiating Content"; (12) "Differentiating Process"; (13) "Differentiating Products"; and (14)"Grading in a Differentiated Classroom." Appended is a table describing various instructional and management strategies and providing guidelines for their use. A list of resources for further reading completes the book. (Contains 41 references.) (KB) What Differentiated Instruction Is--and Isn't -- The Rationale For Differentiated Instruction In Mixed-ability Classrooms -- The Role Of The Teacher In A Differentiated Classroom -- The Learning Environment In A Differentiated Classroom -- A Look Inside Some Differentiated Classrooms -- Strategies For Managing A Differentiated Classroom -- Preparing Students And Parents For A Differentiated Classroom -- The How To's Of Planning Lessons Differentiated By Readiness -- The How To's Of Planning Lessons Differentiated By Interest -- The How To's Of Planning Lessons Differentiated By Learning Profile -- Differentiating Content -- Differentiating Process -- Differentiating Products -- Grading In A Differentiated Classroom. Carol Ann Tomlinson. Ascd Product No. 101043--t.p. Verso. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 107-110) And Index. "Curiosity and inspiration are powerful catalysts for learning." In this 2nd edition of a book that has provided inspiration to countless teachers, Carol Ann Tomlinson offers three new chapters, extended examples and information in every chapter, and field-tested strategies that teachers can use in today's increasingly diverse classrooms Offers a definition of differentiated instruction, and provides principles and strategies designed to help teachers create learning environments that address the different learning styles, interests, and readiness levels found in a typical mixed-ability classroom