This article summarizes a unique approach to reducing the achievement gap that strategically blended differentiated curriculum with schoolwide enrichment teaching and learning. The theories of enrichment and instructional differentiation were translated into practice in an elementary school that had previously embraced a remedial paradigm. This…

Examination of about 300 Black and White first graders demonstrates that providing a great deal of instructional time and using high-quality, challenging materials are critical to student success in reading and that grouping students by ability within a class and then matching the pace of instruction to students' ability bolsters achievement. (BJV)