Board of Education News:  Programs That Make a Difference

At the March 9, 2006 meeting, the “Program Highlights” section focused on Differentiated Instruction (DI).  Differentiated Instruction has been the district’s theme for the past three years.  This model of instruction helps meet the needs of diverse learners, both special and regular education students.  Teachers adjust their teaching style based on the learning styles of individual students.  Staff from the Capt. Nathan Hale School talked about how they incorporate DI into their classrooms.  Each year, the eighth graders are involved in a bridge building project.  The same concepts of construction are learned in a variety of ways.  For example, sound bites from the Internet were used for some of the learners who love music.  The Board and audience members were amazed with the examples of the bridges constructed.  Another staff member shared her goals for her students’ immigration project using “Immigration Project Possibilities.”  Children shared the ideas with their parents and then chose what they wanted to do.  Providing options allows students to choose what’s meaningful to them, thereby resulting in better work.  Tune in to Munivision, Channel 13 to learn more about “Programs that Make a Difference.”