Differentiated instruction is responsive teaching that provides different avenues to acquiring content, processing or making sense of ideas, and developing products so that each student can learn effectively.

During the 2005-06 school-year, the Differentiated Instruction Leadership Taskforce consisting of central office administrators, principals, and teachers, designed a three-year plan for the implementation of differentiated instruction in the Stamford Public Schools. This plan is based upon a three-strand capacity-building model designed to create a core group of educators in the district (i.e., Differentiated Instruction Specialists) with expertise in differentiated instruction who will assist teachers in developing the knowledge, understandings, and skills to create differentiated classrooms. The Differentiated Instruction Specialists model builds capacity within schools and districts. During 2006-07, the taskforce will meet to discuss the implementation process, monitor the support provided to schools and make recommendations for year two and three implementation.

During the 2006-07 school-year, Differentiated Instruction Specialists teams work with the Director for Differentiated Instruction and differentiated instruction consultants to support the development of the Differentiated Instruction Specialists during the time they are developing expertise in the identified instructional practice approach. Support of the development of the Differentiated Instruction Specialists is a multi-faceted approach. The Director for Differentiated Instruction and differentiated instruction consultants will support the development of Differentiated Instruction Specialists by providing the following: workshops on content, model lessons, curriculum unit development support, school-based coaching, monthly professional development meetings, and observation of demonstration classrooms. In addition, Differentiated Instruction Specialists teams will participate in sessions emphasizing adult learning and effective school-based professional development practices. This year, the Differentiated Instruction Specialists are sharing what they are learning with staff to assist them in implementing differentiated instruction. During year two and three, the role may expand to a more formal teacher trainer model.

For additional information about differentiated instruction, please visit www.ascd.org.