Statewide Systems of Support Preview of Handbook and September Institute Center on Innovation & Improvement

Contents of Handbook Review of Evidence and Conceptual Framework Insights from Researchers Insights from Education Leaders Profiles of Select States Comprehensive Centers and States Working Together Practical Indicators and Tools for SEAs June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Statewide Systems of Support Webinar Overview What? Introduce Statewide Systems to Support School Improvement and Restructuring Incentives, opportunities, and capacity Discussion questions How? Profile of Alabama and districts and schools served June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

A Conceptual Framework Lauren Morando Rhim Scientific Council, Center on Innovation & Improvement Senior Consultant, Public Impact

NCLB and Statewide Systems of Support NCLB requires that SEAs provide technical assistance to schools identified as in need of improvement Reserve and allocate Title 1, Part A funds (4% in 2007) for school improvement activities Create and sustain a statewide system of support that provides technical assistance to schools (LEA and School Improvement: Non-Regulatory Guidance, Revised 7/21/06) June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

NCLB And Support Priorities Technical Assistance Priorities (i.e., triage approach) LEAs in corrective action and schools for which LEA has not fulfilled responsibilities related to corrective action LEAs identified as in need of improvement Title I LEAs and schools that need support and assistance June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

NCLB Required Components Establishing NCLB Prescribed Statewide System of Support- Create school support teams: Teams work in schools throughout the state and SEA must provide adequate support for teams to be effective Designate and engage distinguished teachers and principals: Select successful professionals from existing Title I schools that have a track record of success Develop additional TA approaches: Draw on external resources (e.g., colleges/universities, education service agencies, private providers of proven TA, and USDOE funded comprehensive centers and regional education laboratories) to assist districts June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Framework of Successful System Incentives Capabilities (Capacity) Opportunities June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Providing Incentives for Change Public disclosure: standards, accountability and information about results Negative incentives: consequences of low school performance Positive incentives: contingent funding, autonomy, and recognition Market-oriented incentives: changing the “market” structure of public schooling June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Building Capacity Building Systemic Capacity Building Local Capacity June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Building Systemic Capacity Create and Disseminate Knowledge Enhance Supply of Personnel Especially in low-performing districts and schools Training for turnaround specialists June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Building Local Capacity Capacity Building Structures and Roles State Education Agency Intermediate Agencies External Partner Organizations Distinguished Educators School Support Teams Coordination Between and Among Statewide System of Support Structures June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Building Local Capacity Differentiating Supports Metrics to determine local capacity and need in multiple components of district and school operations Differentiated Support to Local Districts and Schools Differentiate by Point of Impact Differentiate by Intensity and Duration of Services Differentiate by Services Provided Delivery of State Systems of Support Services Provide Services Allocate Resources for Services June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Providing Opportunities For Change Removing Obstacles For Existing Schools And Districts Creating Space For New Schools June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Discussion Points NCLB defines statewide systems of support, but we propose that definition should be the floor not the ceiling of state’s role in improving schools. State boards, legislatures, and governors can create incentives and opportunities. SEA’s can also create incentives and opportunities, but they are primarily charged with building systemic and local capacity. Besides technical capacity, key role for SEA should be to establish “reform press;” a strong sense of urgency that change has to occur. June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Discussion Points Efforts to improve schools should be driven by school and district needs rather than expediency given existing structures/systems. Strategic approach may require state-level policy changes and advocacy and a reconsideration of the “givens” (e.g., state laws and policies, and distribution of human capital). Critical goal is to implement systems that move beyond existing SEA/LEA improvement efforts and serve as a catalyst for meaningful change that alters the educational opportunities for children in low-performing schools. June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement

Additional questions: Lauren Morando Rhim Scientific Council, Center on Innovation & Improvement Senior Consultant, Public Impact Lauren_Rhim@publicimpact.com (301)655-1992 June 25, 2007 Center on Innovation and Improvement