This post is from from my other blog here

Getting on the soapbox a little....

Here at our Dulles South area Elementary School, the decision has been made solely by the Principal to not allow differentiated math for 2nd grade. Having collected feedback from many teachers and parents, in addition to the Principal herself, it appears the decision is primarily based on a desire to avoid excessive traffic in the hallways. (OK, it's not just that, but it basically boils down to a decision between additional mayhem between classes, and the ability of teachers to differentiate within their classes). It also appears that the decision of this kind is in fact purely at the discretion of the individual Principal.

A representative teacher is understood to have expressed her response (not leaving us with much confidence in the decision-making process) saying (paraphrased) "well, if you want to know why we don't have differentiated math, ask the Principal. I'm also curious to hear what she says."

Now we've had differentiated math for several years, and it's worked really well in our opinion. The range of capability among 2nd-graders is vast - from those who cannot add 5 to 5 and get 10, to those who are fairly comfortable tackling 4th or even 5th grade concepts. This practice makes total sense, has worked well, and without it leaves 2nd grade teachers basically in the lurch (having to try to differentiate 5 or 6 levels within a classroom). It also completely disenfranchises the most gifted students (but doesn't, as the law requires, disenfranchise those most in need of help to catch up).

Differentiated Math works EXTREMELY well at local Private schools.

This kind of decision should NOT be left to an individual Principal. What do the rest of you Teachers think?