Fair Isn't Always Equal: Assessing & Grading in the Differentiated Classroom [Paperback]

Rick Wormeli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2006 | ISBN-10: 1571104240 | ISBN-13: 978-1571104243 | Edition: 1

Differentiated instruction is a nice idea, but what happens when it comes to assessing and grading students? What's both fair and leads to real student learning?

Fair Isn't Always Equal answers that question and much more. Rick Wormeli offers the latest research and common sense thinking that teachers and administrators seek when it comes to assessment and grading in differentiated classes. Filled with real examples and “gray” areas that middle and high school educators will easily recognize, Rick tackles important and sometimes controversial assessment and grading issues constructively. The book covers high-level concepts, ranging from “rationale for differentiating assessment and grading” to “understanding mastery” as well as the nitty-gritty details of grading and assessment, such as:

• whether to incorporate effort, attendance, and behavior into academic grades;
• whether to grade homework;
• setting up grade books and report cards to reflect differentiated practices;
• principles of successful assessment;
• how to create useful and fair test questions, including how to grade such prompts efficiently;
• whether to allow students to re-do assessments for full credit.

This thorough and practical guide also includes a special section for teacher leaders that explores ways to support colleagues as they move toward successful assessment and grading practices for differentiated classrooms.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Stenhouse Publishers; 1 edition (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571104240
• ISBN-13: 978-1571104243
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.6 x 9.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > Education & Reference > Schools & Teaching > Education Theory > Assessment

More About the Author

One of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, Rick Wormeli brings innovation, energy, validity and high standards to both his presentations, and his instructional practice, which includes almost 30 years teaching math, science, English, physical education, health, and history and coaching teachers. Rick's work has been reported in numerous media, including ABC's "Good Morning America," "Hardball" with Chris Matthews, National Geographic and Good Housekeeping magazines, What Matters Most: Teaching for the 21st Century, and the Washington Post. He is a columnist for the National Middle School Association's Middle Ground magazine, and he is the author of the award-winning book, Meet Me in the Middle: Becoming an Accomplished Middle Level Teacher, as well as the best-selling books, Day One and Beyond, Fair Isn't Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom, Metaphors & Analogies: Power Tools for Teaching any Subject, and Differentiation: From Planning to Practice, Grades 6-12, all five from Stenhouse Publishers, as well as Summarization in any Subject, published by ASCD. His classroom practice is the showcase for the first DVD of ASCD's best-selling series, "At Work in the Differentiated Classroom," and he is a contributing author to Middle School Matters, and Because You Teach, published by Incentive Publications. His new book from Stenhouse on homework practices in the 21st century will be released in 2012.

With his substantive presentations, sense of humor, and unconventional approaches, he's been asked to present to teachers and administrators in all 50 states, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, the Bahamas, Vietnam, Korea, Australia, the Middle East, and at the White House. He is a seasoned veteran of many international Web casts, and he is Disney's American Teacher Awards 1996 Outstanding English Teacher of the Nation. He won the 2008 James P. Garvin award from the New England League of Middle Schools for Teaching Excellence, Service, and Leadership, and he has been a consultant for National Public Radio, USA Today, Court TV, and the Smithsonian Institution's Natural Partners Program and their search for the Giant Squid. He lives in Herndon, Virginia with his wife and two children, one in high school, one at college. He is currently writing several education articles, working on his first young adult fiction novel, and that new book on homework.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Summer Reading for Teachers (or Weekend Reading, If Summer's Over!) July 12, 2007

By Ken C. TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just out in 2006, Rick Wormeli's FAIR ISN'T ALWAYS EQUAL has the latest research on teaching (especially middle and high school) pulled together nicely in one 200-page package. For me, a lot of it was necessary review and reaffirmation of differentiated instruction, standards-based instruction, and various strategies I've read about but haven't gotten around to using. For beginning teachers or veteran teachers whose schools are converting to the standards-based and/or differentiated instruction mode of instructing, it is a terrific primer and source of discussion.

That's all well and good (and a terrific learning tool for teachers), but what really appeals is how Wormeli wades into some hot-button topics like grading (he calls it the "elephant in the room" we don't want to discuss). In addition to issues of assessment, fairness, and mastery teaching, Wormeli brings up whether or not we should grade participation, effort, behavior, and attendance. My school has been debating this very topic of late, and Wormeli not only provides both points of view, he dives into the debate fearlessly by taking a stand and giving a well-reasoned defense of his view.

In addition, there's loads of practical stuff on how to teach students of various abilities, how to keep a grade book, how to structure report cards, and how to create fair tests.

This would be a great professional reading "book group" choice for teachers to read, annotate, then discuss. As it uses the "See Inside" feature here at amazon, I recommend you check out the Table of Contents for a look at what's inside. It won't disappoint.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great resource that every educator should read. August 10, 2009

By J. Fitzpatrick

Format:Paperback

This book was fantastic. Rick's style of writing was enjoyable to read and straight to the point. He offered valuable insight with practical examples and did so in a way that made it simple to read and understand. I particularly enjoyed how he approached potential naysayers of DI&A. It was like he stayed one step ahead of what the reader might be (negatively) thinking. He definitely challenged my personal comfort level and brought my immediate attention to many of the problems we face in public education. I've recommended my staff read it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent July 10, 2009

By Annabel

Format:Paperback

Wormeli's books are some of the best education books out there. His voice comes through without being pushy or preachy. And, most importantly, the content offers a new perspective and practical advice. Highly recommended!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Resource April 18, 2009

By C. Cabiness

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been teaching for 14 years and I wish that I had had this book earlier in my career. Differentiation has been the buzzword for quite some time now in the educational realm, but few people (Carol Ann Tomlinson being one) have written a book that provides usable ideas and examples for classroom teachers. NCLB and standardized testing are the forces that drive what most of us have to do in the classroom in order to avoid punitive action. And this book provides solid examples of what teachers can do to help all of our students. Well worth the money and time.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have For EVERY Teacher! February 6, 2009

By Karen

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is amazing and covers grading, assessment, and assignments in a class of diverse learners. I took pages and pages of wonderful notes from it and it sparked many conversations with co-workers. I really believe that this is a book every teacher should have if they would like to teach to more than just the "middle" group of learners!

[...]

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading for All Educators March 25, 2010

By L. B. Welsh

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Rick Wormeli revolutionized the way I teach. This book should be required for everyone connected with a classroom: general ed and special ed, core and encore, teachers and adminstrators. Even better, go listen to the man in person. His commitment to students is amazing, and you'll come away with a renewed commitment of your own, along with great ideas and strategies for reaching and teaching all of your students.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Guide to Truely Meeting Students' Needs November 11, 2008

By John McCarthy

Format:Paperback

Changes in assessment and grading practices is a paradigm shift for most educators. Rick Wormeli does an excellent job in hosting that conversation in way that allows readers to reflect on what's best for students, what is essential that assessment data ought to provide, and how to collect and report in ways that is helpful to the teacher, parents, and student. Non-confrontational, incorporates diverse views, he ultimately guides readers to important decisions we must make regarding practice. If teaching is about what's best for students, how must I finetune, change, or adapt my practices to best support learners.

What to expect:
Address quality elements of good assessment and grading practices based on getting an accurate understanding of student learning. Provides strategies and different views for thinking and methods for effective assessment and grading. Great for teachers and administrators.

Makes for an excellent book study for schools and districts looking to build clarity in assessing student learning. Wormeli includes quotes from many educators that are great for discussion as the views expressed are not always in agreement. This enhances the conversation as the author addresses the quotes within his own conversation with the reader.

I found it highly effective in helping schools and districts reflect and make the paradigm shift that they want and need to do. Read and be changed. :)