I agree with the differentiated instruction proposal, and I will
add that if you give the students pre-tests before you start the
units, you have evidence for which students are ready for which
activities and objectives.

The pre-test could be as simple as reading a short story in class
and asking students to write a paragraph comparing themselves to
the main character. Students with well-written, organized
comparisons, which include supporting details, are ready for more
advanced writing instruction. Students who get the idea but
struggle to generate examples or organize them effectively need
direct instruction on that point. Students who don't really
understand the story and can't begin to generate comparisons will
also need different instruction.

Also, to keep yourself from going crazy (and congratulations!),
try to keep the focus on more depth within assignments, rather
than trying to keep track of many.

On 5/13/09, Miss M wrote:
> I teach World History at a public magnet school. So I too
> have classes that are mixed. ALL classes I teach are mixed 9-
> 12. I treat them ALL the same. By that I mean, same lesson.
>
> I think that is INSANE what your principal is asking of you!!
> NO you are NOT doing anything wrong.
>
> What I would suggest is if he's going to
> insist...differentiated instruction. Like one of the other
> posters mentioned - create different objectives for each grade
> level (that can all be covered in the SAME lesson - so you're
> only prepping and teaching 1 lesson). And you can
> differentiate by having each grade level answer in-class and
> homework questions that are geared to their "level" or
> objectives.
>
> BUT also as you said, you have seniors that are reading and
> working at a 9th level...so giving them SUPER challenging "on
> grade level" items - is actually counter productive. Now
> don't get me wrong - I believe ALL students no matter their
> level should be challenged (or else they won't grow) but you
> have to challenge them from the point they are at, not
> say "you're in 12th grade, you should be able to answer a 12th
> grade question".
>
> Sorry to be long winded, but again, as I teach in a similar
> situation (mixed classes) feel like I can give you some
> support. If you are determined to stay in your school -
> Differentiation is the key!
>
> For ex. let's say I"m teaching a lesson on the Holocuast
> Concentration camps. The Bell work question (or maybe it's
> the guiding question, orexit question for class - whatever,
> you get the point) for:
> 9th: List the daily activities of a Jew in a concentration camp
> 10th: summarize the attitude of the SS guards toward the Jews
> in camps
> 11th:Compare the Concentration camp system to US internment of
> Japanese
> 12th: Evaluate the effectiveness of the concentration camp
> system in regards to the Nazi objective for them.
>
> See - same lesson on concentraiton camps for everyone, but the
> questions they answer individually vary in expectation by
> grade level.
>
> Though I think your principal is not thinking about what is
> best for kids...differentiation should be based on ability
> level not grade level - but I guess you have to play his game.
>
> Best of luck!!
>
>
>> Today my principal told me that I have to go back to the
>> old way...and I am so upset. My husband and I want a
>> baby, I can't imagine having a baby and having that old
>> work load.
>>
>> Does anyone teach in a situation like this who has any
>> suggestions? I love my school, I don't want to leave...I
>> just need to find a way to make it all work. My principal
>> made me think I was doing something wrong...
>>
>> MC

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