Differentiating the high school classroom : solution strategies for 18 common obstacles /

Nunley, an education consultant, addresses both attitudes and approaches toward student differentiation in this practical guide. Commonly cited obstacles to differentiation are analyzed and placed in a historical context. Strategies for overcoming each difficulty are provided, including management tips, teaching strategies, and alternative approaches to traditional classroom practices. The solutions range far beyond the author's own Layered Curriculum method to include many practical solutions to challenges common to many high school teachers. The occasional overlap in obstacles or strategies does not significantly detract from the effectiveness of this book. The use of analogies, examples, and classroom stories makes it both engaging and user-friendly. Preferring to focus on application, the author wisely chooses not to attempt to do justice to theory or research at the same time. Instead, she offers a useful annotated bibliography to take the reader to the next step. This work will appeal to classroom teachers and preservice teachers whose immediate need is for practical solutions. At the same time, Nunley uses the opportunity to challenge traditional assumptions about teaching and gently steer the reader to consider further study. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers, upper-division undergraduates, and practitioners. C. J. S. Monroe Mount St. Mary's University