This professional resource is the first chapter of Rick Wormeli's book, Fair Isn't Always Easy: Assessing and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom. In this chapter, Wormeli provides a definition of differentiated instruction; in addition, he uses examples from classroom differentiation and from adult life. By defining the term and providing numerous examples, the author introduces one of his primary objectives -- to be a catalyst for serious reflection on teaching and current grading and assessment practices in differentiated classes. He also provides the reader with the purpose for differentiating instruction and the rationale behind the practice. Wormeli's first chapter is an introduction to his book, but more importantly, it sets up a forum for discussion of and and reflection on professional practice. The resource is downloadable in pdf format. (author/bebrown)

This first chapter from Rick Wormeli's book, Fair Isn't Always Equal, makes a compelling case for differentiated teaching. He explains that undifferentiated classes (one size fits all) are actually the easy ones because they make it simpler for a student to coast or drop out. Wormeli uses examples from the military, medicine, and automotive repair fields to show how the real world is differentiated. This selection can help academic and career-technical teachers develop a mind-set for differentiated instruction that will engage students and maximize their learning. (sec)