The foundation of Fauquier County's instructional framework was developed in the early 90's by a team of teachers and administrators led by Doris Standridge (then Assistant Superintendent for Instruction) and Carol Ann Tomlinson (then Director of Gifted Services). Since then the framework has been revised to reflect a culture of innovative and inclusive learning.

The Instructional Framework had three pillars: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment. The Instructional Framework then builds on these pillars with instructional planning still at the forefront of solid instruction. The "instruction" pillar shows more explicitly the varied components of instructional design, to include reference to the importance of active learning and is then followed by assessment. Excellent teaching and deep understanding do not happen by chance. They happen by design - the careful and caring design by excellent teachers in collaboration with focused, thoughtful administrators.