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Tomlinson, C. A. (1999). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (132 pp., $21.95 pb, ISBN 0-87120-342-1).
This short book efficiently accomplishes its purpose of guiding teachers and administrators in differentiating classrooms for today's heterogeneous learners. Readers benefit from Carol Ann Tomlinson's 21 years as a public school teacher of preschool, middle, and high school students as well as her experience in preparing educators throughout the nation. Creating differentiated classrooms has never been more critical given the increasing ethnic and linguistic diversity of U.S. children and youth and trends toward full inclusion of students with disabilities and gifted students in general education settings.
The sequencing of chapters enables readers to visualize differentiated classrooms; analyze what elements might be differentiated; and sensibly plan for implementation. Chapter 1 provides vivid snapshots contrasting traditional and differentiated primary, elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. Chapter 2 presents elements and...