We build state capacity to learn about and support local implementation of impactful evidence-based and high-leverage instructional practices.
We assist states to develop and implement effective general supervision systems to meet IDEA requirements.
We counsel State Education Leaders to help them leverage state authority, influence, and resources to improve outcomes for students.
We guide state education agencies on requirements to implement and manage fiscal systems that meet federal and state expectations.
Find the resources you need to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Search by topic, media type, or resource type.
A TA Liaison is assigned to each SEA as a primary point of contact to understand your specific needs and get you the help you need.
FAQs
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.
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.)
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.
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.
