Q: Who participates in the NCSI Cross-State Learning Collaboratives?
All states are welcome to participate in any or all NCSI Learning Collaboratives. Participating states form a team of SEA staff, which ranges anywhere from 2-6 members per team, on average. State staff who participate in a collaborative are typically those whose roles and responsibilities align to the focus of the community and who are interested in learning collaboratively with role-alike peers in other states. To join, the State Director signs a letter of commitment indicating who the team members will be for their state, and affirming their interest in actively engaging in the TA support offered by the collaborative. SEAs can ask their TA Liaisons to help get them signed up.
Q: How does NCSI support new State Directors?
The role of state special education director is a complex one, and we have found that those directors who receive customized support feel more successful and satisfied in their jobs. We provide peer settings for new directors to gather monthly, partner with NASDSE to offer an annual in-person Academy, and provide 1:1 coaching and mentoring through on-demand and scheduled calls and writing (texts, emails, etc.)
Q: How can a state “lead for effective instruction”?
While SEAs are a few layers removed from classrooms, they still have the capacity to support high-impact teaching and learning for students. In particular, they can use a combination of influence, authority, and resources to support districts to understand relevant research and adopt and implement evidence-based practices.
Q: How does NCSI know what OSEP’s expectations are for state general supervision systems and, in particular, DMS?
NCSI is funded by OSEP, but our staff do not work for OSEP. In order to understand what OSEP expects of states – so that we can provide effective TA – we have staff who meet with OSEP on a regular basis to hear about their ideas and insights. We also provide feedback on OSEP’s written materials, offering suggestions (which they can take or leave), to make information more accessible and useful for states.