SEAs typically offer LEAs incentives to support the increased likelihood of compliant implementation and improved outcomes and will sanction LEAs following the occurrence of noncompliance or failure to improve toward targets over time. States often use incentives and sanctions (often on a continuum of increasing intensity) to influence LEA actions…

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…

A key responsibility of state education agencies (SEAs) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to monitor local education agency (LEA) implementation of the law (34 C.F.R. § 300.600-604). This Fast Five details five principles (plus one!) that we recommend SEAs incorporate as part of their LEA monitoring.

Many states struggle with collecting reliable and valid state-level data that can be leveraged to maximize the use of funds. This is particularly challenging when providing early intervention services in states where Medicaid uses clinic rates that are lower than the natural environment rates covered by state or federal Part C funds. This state…

Many states struggle with collecting reliable and valid data that can be easily analyzed at the state level. This can be particularly challenging in states where schools and districts have local control over the selection of their assessment tools. This state spotlight presents the strategies that the Iowa Department of Education (IDE) used to…

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…

The Tennessee Department of Education faced significant challenges in evaluating and reporting the effects of its first year of State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) implementation when its state test data became unavailable. This NCSI state spotlight presents how Tennessee selected one of two options to address the challenge. [This resource was…

State tests lack the sensitivity and frequency to reflect ongoing academic improvement of students who are well below grade-level proficiency standards. As a result, some states are using screening and progress-monitoring data, collected as part of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) model, to evaluate early student-level progress toward SiMR…

Similar to many states, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) does not mandate the use of specific literacy screening or progress monitoring tools. LDOE sought a measurement approach that resulted in accurate and reliable information on student progress and outcomes, yet respected local control. This state spotlight presents initial…

Historically, students with disabilities graduate from high school at lower rates than peers without disabilities. As a result, many students with disabilities also have poor postsecondary or adult outcomes, such as unemployment or employment in lowpaying jobs. This state spotlight presents strategies the West Virginia Department of Education…