Abstract
Based on an informal survey (conducted in 2003) of 15 retail gasoline outlets in the Los Angeles area, pricing differentials are observed between "majors" and convenience/supermarket outlets. This essay explores the reasons for price differentials.

From the Paper
"Retail pricing for gasoline has a marked differential depending onthe location brand grade or service level. This paper explores the reasons behind these apparent anomalies and tries to explain the ..."

Tags:Pricing, differentials/retail/gasoline, distribution

Abstract
The paper discusses two contrasting theories of education; one that is presented by Plato in his "Republic" and the contemporary method known as differentiated instruction. The paper explains that Plato's streaming focused on the life long prescribed learning of a class of rulers or guardians for his "Republic." The paper then explains that differentiated instruction, by contrast, is a democratically oriented philosophy and method of education in which teachers adapt learning for different students.

From the Paper
"Differentiated Instruction: A form of instruction that seeks to "maximize each student's growth by meeting each student where she is and helping the student to progress. In practice, it involves offering several different learning experiences in response to students' varied needs. Learning activities and materials may be varied by difficulty to challenge students at different readiness levels, by topic in response to students' interests, and by students' preferred ways of learning or expressing themselves" (Kiernan as cited in ASCD, 2007).

Tags:differentiated, curriculum, streaming

Abstract
The paper looks at the relationship between constructivist philosophy and differential instruction and how each aids the other. The paper explores the importance of classroom teachers understanding the factors that impact classroom and individual learning and also looks at the implications that arise from teachers recognizing the importance of individual and environmental factors in the development of youngsters. Lastly, the paper looks at a number of monitoring strategies and organizational strategies that make possible appropriate individualized instruction - and also ensure that cultural and gender differences are appreciated. The paper concludes that no classroom lacking in differentiated instruction will be a successful one - and no teacher can offer optimal instruction to his or her pupils without implementing a program that recognizes differences among children.

From the Paper
"There can little question that teaching today is much more difficult than it was even a generation ago. For one thing, the contemporary elementary school classroom is more diverse, meaning the teacher must be able to communicate with students from a wide variety of backgrounds. As well, the expectations for teachers are greater: teachers today must be accommodating to many different learning styles and able to appreciate the many factors - family environment, health, socio-economic condition, and community structure/environment - that shape young learners. With that in mind, the following paper will explore a host of things. To start with,..."

Tags:differentiated, instruction, education

Abstract
In this article, the writer compares and contrasts the positioning and differentiation strategies of two Los Angeles area hospitals, Cedars-Sinai and the City of Hope. The writer examines the positioning and differentiation of both organizations noting their similarities and differences.

From the Paper
"Two health care organizations located in the same area are Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and City of Hope Research Hospital both in Los Angeles. Both facilities cater to and are championed by Hollywood celebrities so in many respects they are similar. Their positioning and differentiation is distinctive in other respects however. This paper will examine the positioning and differentiation of both organizations noting their similarities and differences. Cedars-Sinai can boast that Many a star has been born literally there ..."

Tags:positioning, differentiation, Cedars-Sinai, City of Hope

Abstract
The paper examines the controversy over the differentiated instruction approach by delineating and discussing the arguments on both sides. Both the pro and the con arguments are described. This is followed by the formulation of conclusions about differentiated instruction that each side would derive based on their differing arguments.

Tags:Differentiated, Instruction, Pros, and, Cons

Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of differentiated instruction in the classroom. The paper contends that the success of differentiated instruction rests ultimately in the hands of teachers who, for better or for worse, will decide its fate. The paper explains that the attention that teachers find in the use of differentiated instruction is a direct result of actual use of the program's constituent elements. If differentiated instruction serves teachers well and provides them with both the growth in student understanding and concept mastery that they desire, along with the achievement of standardized testing accomplishment, teachers will rally around the idea and see that it is promoted.

Outline
Introduction and Statement of Problem
What is Differentiated Instruction?
Why is it so Important in Today's Classroom?
What is Keeping Teachers from Using Differentiated Instruction?
Encouraging more Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
Examples of Successful Differentiation
High School Differentiation
District Wide Differentiation
High School Algebra II Differentiation
1st Grade Differentiation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The differentiation and variety that are but some of the special qualities of humanity too often are lost in the demand for higher scores, better results and more efficient techniques. The gap that exists between the cold, mechanical apparatus of standardized education and the infinitely varying nature of the child results in a theft from society of the educated progeny that it so desperately needs and of the joy and ecstasy of the learning process that children should be enjoying. In many ways "[T]he urgent drives out the important; the future goes largely unexplored; and the capacity to act, rather than the capacity to think and imagine becomes the sole measure for leadership." (Davies 196) This as true for business CEOs as it for those who are charged with the noble and awesome responsibility of educating the nation's young. Worse yet, the gap between true educational success and the call by the unfeeling standardizing machine seem to be growing wider. But a method capable of closing this gap and preventing the losses that society and children so often experience may be nearer than many educators had supposed."

Tags:teachers, students, standardized, tests

Abstract
The paper explores how the superintendent can develop a comprehensive plan for differentiation of instruction. The paper defines differentiated instruction and looks at the various methods of differentiated instruction in the classroom as well as the role of the public, teachers, administrators and/or others in developing the planning process. The paper discusses how it is the responsibility of the superintendent to make sure that all teachers are on the receiving end of the proper professional development to effectively incorporate and implement differentiated instruction into the school's classrooms.

Outline:
Objective
Definition of Differentiated Instruction
Methods of Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
Professional Development and Differentiated Instruction
Assistive Technology and Differentiated Instruction
Role of Superintendent in Differentiated Instruction
Needs Assessment
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"In order to understand what is specifically needed in the area of professional development by the teachers in a school district, a needs assessment can be conducted and is suggested in the work entitled: "Empowering Students to Succeed" to be integral to the implementation of differentiated instruction that is successful in assisting and supporting the learning of students and the differentiation of classroom instruction.
"For example, it is reported that the school system in the study being reported found in its needs assessment on differentiated learning that the teachers in the study were found "following a series of focus groups involving K-12 staff and administration to have a need to "gain knowledge and understanding of key concepts of differentiated instruction. (ELL Students and Special Needs Students).
"The performance indicators stated were "By August 2006, 15% of staff members will have participated in professional developing dealing with ELL and special needs students in the regular classroom." (2008) Therefore, it is important that in the process of differentiated instruction that the teachers and administrators participate in focus groups for the purpose of identifying the specific areas that are in need of professional development to support classroom differentiation in learning."

Tags:needs, assessment, students, classroom

Abstract
This paper begins by providing information on the background and fundamental elements of differentiated instruction and then briefly describes some success stories when differentiated instruction was applied in the classroom. The success stories described are provided in order to give the reader a better understanding of how the concept of differentiation has been applied in different elementary classroom settings.

Table of Contents
Introduction
What is Differentiated Instruction
Examples of Successful Elementary Differentiated Instruction
Conclusion

From the Paper
"As children are mainstreamed into modern classes regardless of differing abilities, today's teachers can draw on lessons provided from teachers of yesteryear to manage the situation. Teachers from one-room schoolhouses have contributed more of a legacy than once thought as they displayed the incredible skill of teaching primary and secondary children not just in the same day, but in the same room as well. But the skills used in those rustic settings have not been lost to time. Instead, they have been preserved and improved upon to meet a new need and to serve a new purpose. Today, "differently-abled" children are all taught in the same classroom and while they are similar in age, the techniques used by current teachers to assure that differentiated lesson plans are delivered effectively are some of the most critical skills needed in the classroom."

Tags:delivery, curriculum, level, system, techniques, child, academic, teach, abilities, size

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts Socrates' differentiated instruction with Plato's streaming in education. The paper analyzes each method of learning individually and discusses how it is applied in the school system. The paper also provides examples of these methods of learning. It concludes that the argument for differentiated instruction is stronger in today's western society, which is focused on the rights of individuals.

Table of Contents:
Differentiated Instruction
Streaming

From the Paper
"They may also have chosen a specialized course of study and/or selected a profession in which differentiation may be either difficult or at odds with the needs of that profession. For example someone studying to be a surgeon must master a set a specific skills and content. He or she must know the muscles, nerves, internal organs, a great deal of chemistry and also simple skills like how to bandage a wound! There may be limits to how much "differentiation" an instructor can give at this level. While we might not consider the Socratic method the most efficient way to present much of the highly technical information to be learned in today's world, one might agree that there is a scope and sequence to becoming a doctor - a life time learning schedule not totally different from what Plato envisioned."

Tags:streamline, schooling, learning

Abstract
Product differentiation is defined as ?the modification of a product, usually in minor ways, to make it more attractive to the target market and to differentiate it from competitors' products" (Encyclopedia, 2004, par. 1). This paper discusses the concept of product differentiation, as well as how the University of Phoenix can use this concept to add value to its products or services.

From the Paper
"In addition to offering weekend and night courses, the University of Phoenix could also offer day courses. Although their competitors already offer mostly day courses, by having them, the University of Phoenix could not only capture night students but also day time students as well. In addition, the University of Phoenix could further diversify their courses to be location specific. For example, in areas where agriculture is prominent, the University of Phoenix could offer degrees that are agriculturally geared. A final example of how the University of Phoenix could differentiate their services from their competitors would be to offer degrees via correspondence courses.''

Tags:bachelor, masters