For busy classroom teachers, this theory-lite and practice-heavy book makes manageable the process of differentiating mathematics instruction to maximize each student's learning potential, ultimately leading to improved test scores. Specifically it: provides practical structures for assessing how students learn and manage the information; shows teachers how to design, implement, manage, and formatively assess and respond to learning in a differentiated classroom; can be used by individual teachers to plan their own lessons and activities, within teacher teams to help guide differentiated tasks and assessments, and by coaches and mentors to focus on specific strategies that guide teachers in their own growth and goal setting; can be used to adjust materials and program resources teachers already use to better meet their students' needs; mathematical topics are reinforced so that this book will work for any state standards. Each chapter offers: 3-5 videos of classrooms that model the premises of each chapter accessed via QR codes for a total of more than 20 videos and 60 minutes of viewing time; specific content examples with student work in grades 6-12 to illustrate how differentiation can be designed and implemented in classrooms; classroom vignettes, teacher's thought processes, and student actions and results; "ready-to-go" approaches for teachers to be able to use immediately in the classroom, such as specific lesson ideas, quick strategies, and templates; "before-and-after" examples to demonstrate how to take typical lessons and differentiate it or add rigor; frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) specially attuned to the realities and challenges secondary teachers face, and a place for the reader to reflect on the content to synthesize learning and plan action steps to implement concepts; final chapter offers "week-at-a-glance" example of a 5-day sequence of planning, teaching, assessing, decision making, revising, and looking forward. The book also includes: online access to downloadable checklists for what should be used and seen in effective math classrooms; methods and surveys to get to know students as learners; and lesson planning, activity, and assessment templates.
Industry Reviews
"I will admit, when I first began reading, I was thinking 'here we go again, another book on differentiation.' As I read, my feelings quickly changed. I believe this book provides different information than previous books I've read on the subject. It is very easy to read, and most teachers could make substantive changes in their instruction immediately. This may be the quickest way to improve math learning and understanding I've seen. I am anxious to incorporate the strategies in this book in my planning for all students to enhance their ability to know, understand, and do math while loving it!" -- Marcia Carlson, Classroom Teacher "While we know that the importance of differentiation is the key to student engagement and success, implementing key differentiation practices remains elusive to us as we balance competing curriculum, student, and administrative demands. Smith's book seamlessly unpacks what differentiation is and is not and provides explicit and, dare I say, beautiful examples of what this can look like in the classroom. You will be hooked from the first page and be inspired and empowered to transform your classroom, your teaching, and your students' mathematical learning experiences through and with this practical, realistic, and meaningful differentiation system." -- Beth Kobett, EdD, Assistant Professor "I believe Dr. Nanci Smith's Every Math Learner: A Doable Approach to Teaching With Learning Differences in Mind is arguably the best book now available for math teachers. In my conversations with math teachers and observations of classrooms, there is generally good-to-great expertise in math content knowledge. Problems occur, however, when there is lock-step reliance (perhaps with minor variations) on the math textbook or when there are beliefs and practices that all students predominately learn in the same way. Dr. Smith-a master teacher and trainer-flips the paradigm from teaching to learning. I've personally seen Dr. Smith's work with teachers and know that she creates tremendous excitement within the teaching profession for practically and substantively moving from teacher-centered classrooms to learning centered classrooms that support the needs and interests of ALL students." -- Mark Boyer, Retired Assistant Superintendent for Learning "For years I have searched for a book that had practical tips and ideas of how to differentiate instruction for secondary mathematics. That book has FINALLY arrived! While reading the book, I felt like I was having a conversation with someone who understands students and what helps them make sense of their learning in the mathematics classroom. This book provides teachers with 'common sense' ideas and activities to help engage students in their own learning." -- Cathy Battles, Consultant "Every Math Learner is a powerful tool for educators serious about meeting the needs of all learners in their mathematics classrooms. Nanci Smith balances philosophy with practicality while providing a glimpse into real classrooms with real students. Teachers will ultimately learn how to lift students up to their greatest potential in learning." -- Eileen Hogan, District Mathematics Facilitator "Every Math Learner continuously invites the reader to interact with the content through the Watch It, Try It, and Consider It processes. The immediate application of the book's content, the mathematics examples, and the videos of real secondary classrooms are helpful for all educators who want to learn more about their students, differentiate instruction, and plan and implement units or lessons that deepen students' mathematical interest, understanding, and learning." -- Nora G. Ramirez, President "As a New York State public school administrator, I have observed Nanci Smith work with middle and high school teachers across disciplines. She is engaging and interactive! Her ability to respond spontaneously to questions in all disciplines is remarkable. So excited to see this book coming out!" -- Ellen Shields, Retired Curriculum Director "This book is an excellent resource for teachers and administrators alike. It clearly explains key tenets of effective differentiation and through an interactive approach offers numerous practical examples of secondary mathematics differentiation. This book is a must read for any educator looking to reach all students." -- Brad Weinhold, EdD, Assistant Principal "As a Professor of Mathematics highly involved in K-12 education, I look for two major things in teaching resources. There must be solid, rigorous mathematics and there must be attention paid to varying the delivery system to allow learners to access the mathematics in appropriate ways. Nanci Smith has done both things admirably in this valuable and unique addition to our teaching resources." -- Billie Earl Sparks, PhD, Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus "Dr. Smith provides a clear and well-structured solution to truly making math 'doable' for all students. As our society continues to move toward a more technology-based economy, the importance of math concepts becomes more essential for all our students. Dr. Smith provides clear, understandable solutions for educators to reach all students to ensure they meet the demands of 21st century." -- James Scott, Director
