Using Formative Assessment to Differentiate Mathematics Instruction, Grades 4–10

Leslie Laud has differentiated math instruction in her own classroom and in her co-teaching with her math colleagues, and has been doing so for almost two decades. She teaches an online course on Differentiated Middle School Math Instruction at Bank Street College of Education. Additionally, she has presented at many conferences both nationally and internationally, including The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics annual conference. She has also published many articles in leading journals such as Educational Leadership and Teaching Exceptional Children. She currently leads staff development groups with teachers in school systems in the Boston area. She received both her doctorate in curriculum and instruction and her master’s in special education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

"This practical and thought-provoking book offers time-saving strategies essential for every teacher in every discipline. The numerous self-assessments demonstrate that the best formative assessments are not merely given "to" students but are an interactive learning experience involving students, teachers, and professional colleagues."

• List of FiguresPrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the Author1. Getting Started and Establishing NormsGetting StartedEstablishing Class Norms2. Formative AssessmentWhat is Formative Assessment?Where Am I? Involving Students in Self-AssessmentWhere Am I Going? Conveying Criteria or Learning TargetsHow Will I Get There? Providing FeedbackImpact of Assessment on Confidence and Motivation3. Tiered InstructionWhat Is a Tiered Lesson?Tiering by Student CharacteristicsTiering by Instructional CharacteristicsTiering Existing Textbook LessonsCreating a Tiered Lesson4. Supporting Students Who Are Low AchievingDifferentiating Instruction in Basic FactsDifferentiating for Conceptual UnderstandingDifferentiating Procedural Support5. Challenging Students Who Are High AchievingExemptions Based on Prior Knowledge and/or Pace of LearningOpportunities for Higher-Order MathStrategies to AvoidImportance of Challenge6. Time-Saving Management StrategiesPlanning Lessons and UnitsManaging Students Working on Different TasksAssigning HomeworkGradingWrap-UpSuggested ResourcesReferencesIndex