VESTED is research-based and helps teachers deliver instruction in heterogeneous mixed-ability classroom where students learn and build on the diversity and strengths that they bring to their content area classes. Teachers learn to meet the needs of all students including English language learners and strugglers without watering-down curriculum or lowering the bar for other students while at the same time provide the needed challenges that the gifted and academically-abled require in order to develop to their fullest potentials. VESTED can be used to help teachers and administrators see how all the pieces of best instructional practices come together to maximize learning outcomes. It can also be used to simply focus on any one or more aspects of teaching:
-An inclusion model designed to ensure strong content and area instruction and response to intervention;
-A framework to deliver sheltered instruction and implement the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) for English language learners (ELLs) and address the needs of speakers of non-standard dialects of English;
-A means to challenge the academically-abled and gifted;
-A template for organizing and delivering balance, effective, and efficient instruction;
-A safety-vest to keep afloat students who traditionally end up sinking rather than swimming in the classroom, namely the historically underserved and misserved students who make up the majority of at-risk populations;
-A template for implementing instructional technologies;
-A professional development model that aims to positively transform teaching performance; and
-A learning tool for everyone! VESTED is usually introduced in a three-day institute format. One-day overviews and specific content-area seminars are provided by request to ensure appropriate tailoring of the professional development experience for all teachers.