| Students often struggle in class because the | | | | Ideally in a class every student should be |
| teacher teaches to only part of the class, often | | | | challenged or at least allowed to work at his or |
| the average students. This means that the higher | | | | her own level. Using the spelling test as an |
| ability students never get challenged and the | | | | example, there should be challenging words like |
| lower ability students get lost. The lesson is given | | | | "attention" or "automatic" for the good spellers |
| to those right in the middle and is often designed | | | | and basic words like "blocked" or "jumping" for |
| to be general enough that everyone can | | | | those students who are still learning phonetic rules. |
| understand. In some cases, an experienced or | | | | There should also be two tests, one before they |
| skilled teacher will teach to the upper end kids. In | | | | study and one after they study so any |
| either case, only one third of the class is | | | | improvements can be measured. Although this |
| challenged while the other two thirds are bored or | | | | may seem like too much of a hassle, true learning |
| lost. | | | | will take place. |
| Imagine going to a restaurant that only serves | | | | Allowing students to work at different levels can |
| one dish, lets' say a pasta meal. Those who | | | | work in all classes. Math questions can be placed |
| wanted a light salad or a meaty steak are out of | | | | on the board in levels to allow students to choose |
| luck, even though they might eat the pasta. It is | | | | the questions they are capable of doing. In music |
| easy to make and feeds everyone. This is similar | | | | experienced students can play complex harmonies |
| to what happens in the classroom when a generic | | | | while new students can play simple harmonies. |
| lesson is given that only challenges a few | | | | Students taking part in silent reading time can be |
| students. | | | | taught to select books that match their reading |
| In the classroom the same spelling test is often | | | | ability. By allowing students to complete work that |
| given to entire class. The good spellers will get | | | | matches their ability, you give them ownership of |
| one hundred percent without studying. The | | | | their learning and with help them reach their full |
| average students will get a few wrong whether | | | | potential. |
| they study or not. The weak spellers won't have | | | | All students should be given the chance to learn |
| a hope of getting a high mark and will often have | | | | and be challenged, no matter what their ability is. |
| to spend some recess or noon time as | | | | Being a great teacher means allowing students to |
| punishment. It is an assignment where success is | | | | be all they can be. |
| tough to measure. | | | | |