About the Initiative on Diversity in Education (IDE)
Connecticut cities and towns are growing increasingly diverse. Likewise, their student populations have a wide range of learning needs. The Initiative on Diversity in Education (IDE) is designed to enable educators to meet the learning needs of all students in each of Connecticut’s cities and towns.

SERC's long-term partnership with numerous bureaus of the Connecticut State Department of has resulted in an expanded array of professional development opportunities to support the success of all students and to reduce the over-representation of culturally and linguistically diverse learners in special education.  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, however, much work still to be done to reduce disparities in school success amongst culturally and linguistically diverse learners.

SERC’s statewide trainings, as well as its customized, on-site training and technical assistance, are 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.  The Initiative on Diversity in Education’s professional development offerings can be categorized into five larger topics or areas:

• Racial Equity & Systemic Transformation
• Culturally Relevant/Responsive Pedagogy
• Diversity & Multiple Perspectives/Pathways
• English Language Learners & Sheltered Instruction
• Youth Leadership Development & Student Voice

SERC’s ongoing commitment to participants from urban, partner, 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 members listed on the activity announcement/flier prior to submitting an application form.

For more information, please contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Assistant Director – (860) 632-1485, ext. 372
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Consultant – (860) 632-1485, ext. 389
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Consultant – (860) 632-1485, ext. 374
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Education Services Specialist – (860) 632-1485, ext. 256
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Consultant – (860) 632-1485, ext. 310
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Consultant – (860) 632-1485, ext. 234