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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Additional questions:
Lauren Morando Rhim
Scientific Council, Center on Innovation & Improvement
Senior Consultant, Public Impact
(301)
June 25, 2007
Center on Innovation and Improvement