Customer Reviews

Fair Isn't Always Equal

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Wormeli provides guidlelines which should be adopted by all educators and schools as the gold standards for assessment. He is practical with his suggestions and shares wisdom from many educators on a wide variety of assessment topics. This book should be on every educator's desk.

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. :)

This book has been an excellent resource as I work with my grade level & course of study committees when discussing assessments & grading practices. I bought the book several years ago & the recommendations are timeless.

Great resource. The title says it all. Every student needs something different in terms of instructional style to meet their academic needs and multiple intelligences. Positive exchange.