Using Formative Assessment to Differentiate Middle School Literacy Instruction

Book excerpt: We all recognize the countless benefits of differentiated instruction. The challenge is in its implementation. Faced with a classroom of 25 students-each with very different needs-how can we possibly keep every student on track and motivated? Through formative assessment and efficient follow-up instruction. This start-to-finish guide will show you how through seven classroom-tested practices for maximizing student learning. Experts on this subject, Leslie Laud and Pooja Patel demonstrate how to Establish new classroom norms Involve students in the use of assessment data and feedback to inform their next steps Clarify end-of-unit criteria to help map learning progression Apply assessment data to group students for tiered activities Differentiate assignments based on student readiness, characteristics, and interest Best of all, Using Formative Assessment to Differentiate Middle School Literacy Instruction is packed with vignettes, sample worksheets, and charts to assist you through each step in the process. Armed with this tool kit, you'll quickly discover new ways to keep all students engaged in their learning. Book jacket.