Sustained implementation of effective behavior support systems and practices is critical for improving academic and behavior outcomes for students with and without disabilities. Although implementation studies have identified variables facilitating sustained implementation of Tier 1 behavior support systems in schools, little research exists…

The second in a series of three evaluation briefs, this brief describes how a district in receivership (state takeover) invested in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to: (1) enhance their systems to support staff; (2) implement evidence-based practices to support students; (3) use data to guide their implementation; and (4)…

Professional development (PD) for teachers is a ubiquitous feature of the American educational landscape. Yet we know little about how districts navigate the variation in teacher learning needs when designing and implementing district-wide PD programs. In this paper, we describe how the District of Columbia Public Schools implemented an ambitious…

The Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) is a language education policy adopted by states to recognize students' biliteracy. Originally implemented in high schools to recognize graduating seniors, the initiative also includes pathway awards, which can be implemented in earlier grades to promote lengthier language study and increase biliteracy attainment.…

School change is difficult and is both leveraged and hindered by interactive influences within complex systems of social practice. Whole-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a growing trend with unique aspects of change required of educators. A qualitative case study was used to analyze educator perspectives of the…

In the midst of the pandemic, this school district made a significant investment with recovery dollars to expand enrichment opportunities in art, music, and physical education for students in their K-8 schools. The hypothesis was increasing the quality and quantity of these opportunities, the school district would increase student engagement, lead…

While states are often impacted by cost pressures beyond their control, certain state policies can help stabilize school funding from year to year and help school districts maintain stable services during times of declining revenue. This report delves into some of the most pressing conditions contributing to current revenue volatility. It then…

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlighted the impact that early detection of emotional and behavioral health concerns can have on quality of life for children and adults in a 2019 report. Illinois has taken this call to action seriously by planning a phased implementation approach to universal mental health…

This study evaluates the Programming the Acceleration of Computing Education (PACE) Framework for Computer Science (CS) Systems Change, developed to promote equitable access to CS education for middle school students. Funded by an Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Early-Phase Grant, the intervention aimed to increase student understanding,…

Statewide school accountability systems have been required by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) for more than 20 years. However, many states implemented school accountability systems well before federal requirements, demonstrating a recognition of their role in supporting school improvement. As a new administration takes office…

Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-22.18e) created the Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force for the purpose of conducting a statewide audit to inform the planning and implementation of full-day kindergarten. The task force may recommend that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) consider an additional criterion when granting a waiver to the…

The third in a series of three evaluation briefs, this brief describes how a district in receivership (state takeover) invested in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to: (1) enhance their systems to support staff; (2) implement evidence-based practices to support students; (3) use data to guide their implementation; and (4)…

In 2019, the Department for Education (DfE) commissioned a consortium of evaluation and early years assessment specialists to evaluate the first phase of Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYPDP1). The evaluation was led by Ecorys, with the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), Professor Kathy Sylva (the University of…

In this edition of "Voices From the Field," we explore practical strategies for maximizing the impact of Title I, Part D funds through effective, efficient, and timely spending. We highlight common challenges that programs face in utilizing these funds and offer actionable solutions to overcome them. Three experienced coordinators share…

Iredell-Statesville Schools was awarded a School Climate Transformation Grant in 2019. INSPIRE: Interventions to Nurture Students and Provide Individualized Responsive Environments, was an innovative approach to improving behavioral outcomes for the district's highest risk students by reshaping schools' culture, staff, and systems through…