Differentiation, Data and Collaboration: Asst. Superintendent Leaves His Mark

David Roth has left Piedmont to become head of the Buckeye Union School District after spending nine years here—first as director of special education for five years, and most recently as assistant superintendent for educational services. Roth's former colleagues said that he leaves behind differentiated instruction, data-based decisio-making in the classrooms and a culture of collaboration at the district level.

Roth was the driving force behind Piedmont’s Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE). In 2008, after a year of talks and negotiations with GATE Advisory Council parents, teachers, and administrators, Roth succeeded in securing the program’s re-approval and about $20,000 in annual funding from the state to support a unique curriculum for gifted students.

The specialized instruction that goes along with GATE and special education programs didn’t sit comfortably with many parents. But Roth was instrumental in getting parents on board, said his colleagues.

“Ten years ago, parents would have given you a puzzled look when the phrase 'differentiated instruction' was mentioned,” said school board member June Monach. “Today, many parents understand the meaning of the term and want to learn how it is practiced to serve the specific needs of their children.”

Put simply, differentiated instruction is the idea that teachers tailor lessons to match the varied learning styles of individual students.

Superintendent Connie Hubbard credits Roth's transparency and inclusiveness in garnering Piedmont parents’ cooperation.

“I have seen him transform skeptical, hostile groups of parents into supportive advocates,” she said.

Roth also spearheaded the implementation of new data systems in Piedmont schools, including the roll-out of Infinite Campus in 2010.

“He focused teachers on student data as a way to determine where our educational program can be improved,” said school board member Rick Raushenbush.

Roth started his new job as superintendent of the Buckeye Union School District on July 1.

The district, in the Sierra foothills, serves about 4,500 students in grades K-8 living in Shingle Springs, Cameron Park and El Dorado Hills in El Dorado County, where Roth is from. Buckeye is double the size of Piedmont, yet it has the same $30 million budget.

His former colleagues in Piedmont are certain he is up to the challenge.

“One phrase I’ll always associate with David is ‘difficult conversations,’” said school board member Martha Jones. “He’s willing to bite the bullet, broach difficult subjects with those involved and persistently push the development of changes.” 

Piedmont worked quickly to fill Roth's position. In early June Piedmont High School Principal .

But colleagues said Roth’s presence would still be felt in Piedmont.

“I think David's most enduring legacy will be his commitment to collaboration and learning from one another,” said Monach. “I have learned from him that we can accomplish almost anything as long as we work together.”