Initiative on Diversity in Education (IDE):
Working Together to Close the Achievement Gap

Connecticut cities and towns are growing increasingly diverse. Likewise, their student populations have a wide array of learning needs. The Initiative on Diversity in Education (IDE): Working Together to Close the Achievement Gap, an outgrowth of SERC’s Urban Initiative, is designed to enable educators to meet the learning needs of all students in each of Connecticut ’s cities and towns.

• English Language Learners in Connecticut
• Resource Recommendations
• Professional Development Resources

About the Initiative on Diversity in Education…

SERC's long-term partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Division of Teaching and Learning, Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction School Improvement and Literary Unit, has resulted in an expanded array of professional development opportunities to support the success of allstudents, and to reduce the overrepresentation of culturally and linguistically diverse learners in special education programs.

These dynamic and motivating learning opportunities focus on exemplary, research-based instructional approaches to increase student performance and reduce the achievement gaps. As a study by the Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy at the University of Washington (2001) clearly demonstrates, Connecticut educators are already hard at work, striving to ensure that all students reach standards of excellence. There is still, however, much work to be done to reduce the culturally and linguistically diverse learners’ discrepancies in school success. SERC’s customized, on-site training and technical assistance is designed to bring staff development directly into the school environment, allowing educators to work together to continually improve the teaching and learning process. Educators will learn techniques and strategies to differentiate and promote the success of all students in their classrooms.

SERC’s ongoing commitment to participants from urban and priority districts includes priority consideration for registration and registration fee waivers as resources permit. To inquire about obtaining a fee waiver for a particular activity, please contact SERC staff (see activity announcement) prior to submitting an application form.

For more information, please contact SERC Consultants Ingrid M. Canady, (860) 632-1485 ext 330 or Kc Nelson-Oliveria , (860) 632-1485 ext 310.

Click here for a listing of professional development offerings. To receive a copy of the professional development booklet or to request a conference brochure, please contact Leticia Garcia Guerra, Sr. Project Assistant, (860) 632-1485, ext. 233, or via email at guerra@ctserc.org.