Differentiation is so important in today's school. Being able to make learning interesting and challenging to those of all intellectual levels in your classroom. I found this book a very useful tool. It's a perfect 'how-to' guide to creating differentiated classroom. I find much of the information included in this book so helpful in trying to implement differentiation in my classroom. ( )

I must agree with the other reviewers. While the ideas presented in the book are incredibly valuable, the likelihood of this type of cluster grouping occurring in my current school seem slim to none. BUT, that doesn't take away from the fact that these ideas can be used on some level in my classes (we already have time set aside in the day for regrouping students weekly by grade level, so they're not always in with the same group of kids). ( )

An excellent resource for those looking for effective and realistic differentiation activities in schools.

As described in Chapter 2, "Total School Cluster Grouping provides an organizational framework that places students into classrooms on the basis of achievement, flexibly groups and regroups students as needed for instruction (based on interests and needs), and provides appropriately challenging learning experiences for all students."

I definitely enjoyed reading this book because it challenged my thinking and helped me strengthen my philosophy of learning and assessment. I believe strongly that upper elementary children (and middle school children) should not focus on ability and grades, but rather on the attainment of skills while learning topics of interest to them (in addition to topics based on standards). To me, integrating subjects and providing individualized feedback regularly is more important than having all children reading, writing, and doing math at the same level. I believe that students learn more from each other than they do the teacher and that heterogeneous learning environments are essential to their learning.

I also feel that the assessments that are currently in place in schools are not valid, nor reliable. I feel that these assessments put undue pressure on students and don't accurately demonstrate their actual abilities. The results of these assessments often create a strong dislike of learning and make for a stressful learning environment. When we focus on achievement rather than improvement, we create students who become perfectionists or give up. I want my students to embrace failure and perseverance. I want students who take risks and try new things because they have no fear of "looking stupid." I don't want to create students live to please others. I want to encourage my students to be the best they can be within their own parameters!

That being said, if your school focuses on reading levels and direct instruction from the teacher, then Total School Cluster Grouping is an excellent model for continuing that practice. If you prefer to create a learning environment that students will appreciate and thrive in, then I suggest looking into 21st Century teaching methods that promote collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity. Total School Cluster Grouping is a very well-written book that explains the process extremely well. It just goes against my personal philosophy of teaching. ( )

A practical guide to cluster grouping and differentiation. The plan is well developed and beneficial to educators. While a total school cluster grouping is not realistic in my current school, many of the practical applications will be useful. Worth the read to find techniques and strategies that can be adapted to any classroom. ( )