When a PD program has participants with a wide range of skills, what is the best course of action?

• A. Separate Groups by Skill Level
• B. Cancel Program
• C. Sit Down and Determine Best Course of Action by Looking at Different Leagues
• D. Increase Session Length

Answer: (C)

When participants have a wide range of skills in a PD program, the best approach is to pause and determine the best course of action by looking at the different levels represented and planning accordingly. This means gathering a quick read on each participant’s current abilities, aligning learning objectives for the group, and then designing the next steps to fit multiple levels—such as offering differentiated content or parallel tracks—so everyone can engage and advance.

This data-driven planning avoids simply segregating participants, which can create logistical hurdles and stigmatize learners. It also avoids passively increasing session length without changing the structure or content, which may still leave some participants under-challenged or overwhelmed. And it keeps the program going instead of canceling, which preserves the opportunity for growth for all involved.