In order to rethink data with an equity mindset, we approached a group of NCSI Thought Leaders and asked them: What are the questions about racial equity in our education systems that could be transformative, if answered? After collecting their recommendations, we organized their list based on the characteristics of an equity mindset as outlined…

In April 2021, as part of a national convening hosted by the US Department of Education, the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) was asked to identify key considerations for learning acceleration and recovery as part of enrichment efforts this summer (2021) and beyond. Four big concepts were identified by NCSI and then discussed by…

This state spotlight focuses on Texas's implementation effort to improve teacher practice and student outcomes, by embedding and sustaining an effective coaching framework across the state. Of critical importance for Texas Education Agency (TEA) was to take a strategic approach to implementing aligned coaching across several schools, districts,…

There is enormous urgency to actively develop sound plans that address equity, social and emotional well-being, and academic excellence in schools. This blueprint is founded on the belief that all students can succeed when learning is supported by equitable systems. To achieve equity, individuals and systems must truly value all students and their…

When the pandemic forced many schools to transition to virtual or hybrid learning, educators often struggled to meet the language and learning needs of the diverse population of English learners (ELs) with disabilities. Although many schools are in the process of returning to school, distance learning (including virtual and hybrid learning…

The need to improve outcomes among students with disabilities (SWD) by increasing teachers' skilled use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) has been a pressing challenge around the country. Texas, in particular, has a specific focus on supporting the increased use of teachers' EBPs within their State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). Therefore,…

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, State Education Agencies (SEAs) had to quickly move professional learning (PL) opportunities for educators to a virtual environment. This state spotlight presents how the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) implemented virtual collaborative book studies to develop the expertise and build the capacity of state,…

Developing a solid foundational knowledge of data literacy is integral to building role-specific knowledge and building capacity of educators to use and apply these skills appropriately. However, the definition of data literacy is inconsistent and often too narrowly applied within the field of education. National experts and technical assistance…

To successfully launch the 2020-2021 school year for students with disabilities, state education agencies (SEAs) have an essential leadership role to play in supporting local school systems to plan for multiple scenarios, including services delivered in-person, through distance learning, and via blended approaches. There are two overarching…

The purpose of this brief is to synthesize research on coaching and to offer a framework of effective coaching practices. Part 1 provides general information on coaching, including the need for coaching and the goals of coaching. Part 2 describes critical coaching practices that are linked to improvements in teacher practice and learner outcomes.…

The ability to significantly increase and sustain gains in early literacy for students with disabilities and a desire to bridge the gap between compliance and results-driven accountability (RDA) led Washington State to innovate a solution. This state spotlight will focus on Washington's improvement strategy to address this early literacy challenge…

Outcomes for students with disabilities are historically concerning. As states have leveraged the "Every Student Succeeds Act" (ESSA) to refine accountability and support systems, schools across the country have been identified as needing "Targeted School Improvement" (TSI) or "Comprehensive School Improvement" (CSI).…

Data-based problem solving within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) can help state education agencies and local education agencies (LEAs) improve graduation rates for students with disabilities. To facilitate problem solving within an MTSS, states and LEAs need efficient systems and processes for analyzing and integrating data across…

A collective goal in early childhood is focusing on "what works"--finding and using interventions backed by evidence to achieve desired results for children and their families. This resource helps the reader use multiple sources of evidence to determine an intervention's effectiveness. It presents steps in an evidence-based…

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) identified increasing the graduation rate of students with disabilities and decreasing the graduation gap between students with disabilities and all students as its state-identified measurable result (SIMR). To make progress toward the SIMR, the state sought to build the capacity of local education…