National Differentiated Instruction Conference Focuses on Leadership, Best Practices, and Common Core

PETERBOROUGH, N.H., April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Staff Development for Educators (SDE), one of the nation's leading providers of professional development for K-12 educators, is pleased to announce a focus on leadership, best practices, and the Common Core at its National Conference on Differentiated Instruction, taking place July  7-11, 2014 in Las Vegas.

"Teachers in today's classroom face complex challenge as they struggle to deeply understand and translate the new Common Core State Standards into meaningful instruction while meeting the diverse needs of students. At the same time, administrators are being pressured to serve as instructional coaches to meet new initiatives, like the CCSS, and this calls for good leadership practices," says Kim Breton, Program Manager.

The theme of this year's conference—Leadership, Best Practices, and the Common Core for Today's Educators— addresses how to solve these challenges. "These are the three most important things educators told us they want out of this conference—a strong focus on leadership, 21^st best practices for differentiating instruction, and essential strategies that will help students thrive in a CCSS world," declares Breton.  "They'll get that, and a whole lot more."

The 2014 National Conference on Differentiated Instruction will provide a targeted, focused, and interactive forum to expand the conversation about what it takes today to fully differentiate. The event is planned and developed by educational experts with real classroom experiences in mind who have their fingers on the pulse of what's truly happening in schools today. "There's no better place to explore —at one time—the full spectrum of differentiated instruction strategies, thinking, and solutions," says Breton.

Administrators and teacher leaders will find one session in every time slot geared to their needs. These dynamic, new sessions will examine the need for a strong leadership practice, motivation, teacher evaluation, and making effective connections with educators. From coaching current staff on DI strategies to curriculum mapping to standards-based grading and reporting, this event delivers the cutting-edge strategies leaders need to turn challenges into opportunities.  

In keeping with the theme, all who attend will be immersed in the student-centered best practices, skills, and strategies of successful differentiation.  "Differentiated instruction makes it possible to maximize learning for all students. At this conference, attendees will gain a collection of instructionally intelligent strategies that have been field-tested and proven effective," adds Breton. "Participants will be steeped in innovation. They'll learn what the best teachers today are doing to differentiate instruction. They'll explore which trends are changing the future and how to take advantage. Most important, they'll see how they, too, can become innovators in their own classrooms as well as catalysts of change."

The third component of this year's theme—the Common Core State Standards—is woven throughout the program. Attendees will learn where differentiation fits in a Common Core world, why it's needed now more than ever, and how to effectively differentiate the CCSS for students. "Differentiation is different with the Common Core. This is a great chance to zero in on exactly how to use the CCSS as a road map to guide your centers, grading, lessons, Writers Workshop, project-based learning—all your instruction," declares Breton.  "By the end of the conference, tool boxes will be packed with the specific shifts, strategies, and activities needed to support the implementation of the Common Core in math and ELA."

Attendees have come to expect the best-in-class presenters at this annual conference—the true game-changers in their respective areas who have actually implemented the principles and practices they teach.  This year will be no exception. "The greatest minds in differentiation will be there. And they'll be on fire, sharing debating, challenging, and motivating attendees to take their instruction to the next level," adds Breton.    

Breton reminds attendees "This is your event. We urge you to bring your toughest challenges." The event provides the opportunity to learn from the experts, colleagues, and peers.

"You will get solutions—guaranteed. And you'll feel part of an incredibly vibrant community of passionate educators who will inspire you to think and differentiate differently and prepare for success in a Common Core world," states Breton. 

About SDE

SDE is one of America's leading providers of professional development for PreK through Grade 12 educators. Through Onsite PD, PD Events, Web-based PD, and PD Resources, the company empowers teachers and administrators across the country with ongoing professional development that is not only research-based, innovative, and rigorous, but also practical, motivating, and fun. All SDE training is presented by the nation's top authors and educational experts, with the goal of creating extraordinary classrooms that prepare students for the evolving demands of the 21st century.

For more information about SDE's national conferences, educators are encouraged to visit http://www.sde.com/nationals/2014/, or to call 1-800-462-1478.

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