All events
Massachusetts Readiness Centers Network Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Bridgewater, MA
Bridgewater State College
In service of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education, NECC staff will facilitate a meeting of representatives of the six Massachusetts Readiness Centers for the inaugural meeting of the Readiness Centers Network. Announced by Governor Patrick last fall, the Readiness Centers are intended as a key strategy to improve teacher quality from early childhood to higher education.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirstead
rmcres.com
Related initiative: Massachusetts
New England Collaborative for Educator Quality and Effectiveness Meeting
Facilitated by NECC staff, members of the six-state working group conferred on next steps following the December meeting with Laura Goe of the National Comprehensive Center on Teacher Quality on teacher effectiveness.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Kathy Dunne
Email: kdunnewested.org
Related initiative: Teacher and Educational Leader Effectiveness
New England Collaborative for Educator Quality and Effectiveness Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Providence, RI
Rhode Island Department of Education
Laura Goe of the National Comprehensive Center on Teacher Quality presented her research on teacher effectiveness to members of the six-state working group. NECC staff facilitated the meeting.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Kathy Dunne
Email: kdunnewested.org
Related initiative: Teacher and Educational Leader Effectiveness
New Hampshire RtI Task Force Meeting
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Concord, NH
Plymouth State University
NECC continues to work with the task force to implement RtI in New Hampshire schools.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners (CAPELL) Meeting
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Hamden, CT
ACES-Staff Development Building
NECC staff met with work groups to continue developing a resource manual for school districts with low incidences of English language learners. A report on work to date was presented to the CAPELL membership.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Maria-Paz Avery
Email: maveryedc.org
Related initiative: Connecticut
Webinar: Improving Adolescent Literacy
Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
Stanford University Professor Michael L. Kamil presented five recommendations from Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices, a practice guide from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Chair of the panel that wrote the guide, Dr. Kamil serves on the Psychological Studies in Education Committee and is on the faculty of Stanford's Learning, Design, and Technology Program. His current research concerns the effect of recreational reading on reading achievement, instruction for English language learners, and the effects of technology on literacy and literacy instruction. He was a member of the National Reading Panel.
Dr. Kamil’s presentation was followed by a panel discussion by New England state literacy leaders, who discussed their work on adolescent literacy, respond to the IES guide’s recommendations, and take part in a Q&A session with Dr. Kamil and the audience. Participants were encouraged to use an online chatroom to comment and submit questions. The event was moderated by Naomi Hupert, Senior Researcher, EDC Center for Children and Technology.
NECC and REL-NEI co-sponsored this event.
Related resources: IES Practice Guide: Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/pdf/practiceguides/adlit_pg_082608.pdf
Five States’ Efforts to Improve Adolescent Literacy (REL-NEI) www.carnegie.org/literacy/pdf/IES.Stateadlit_report_2009067.pdf
Contact: Cerelle Morrow
Email: cmorrowedc.org
Related initiative: Literacy
Education Reform in New England
An Invitational Forum for Federal, State, and Local Education Leaders
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Bedford, NH
Southeastern Regional Education Services Center (SERESC)
Stakeholders from the six New England states engaged with Tony Miller, Deputy Secretary of Education and Jim Butler of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education in Q & A sessions and presentations on how the four federal education reform priorities can serve to improve outcomes for the region's students. National experts in each of the reform areas also led discussions. Six USED-funded technical assistance and research centers co-sponsored the event: The Center on Instruction, The Region I Equity Assistance Center, The New England Comprehensive Center, The Northeast and Islands Regional Education Laboratory, The Northeast Regional Resource Center, and The Region I Parent Technical Assistance Center.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Read full story, view and download presentations >
Related initiative: Teacher and Educational Leader Effectiveness
Massachusetts Urban District Dropout Prevention Teams Meeting
8:30 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Worcester, Massachusetts
College of the Holy Cross
In conjunction with the Massachusetts Dropout Prevention and Recovery Work Group, NECC coordinated this first whole-group meeting of the Massachusetts Urban District Dropout Prevention teams. Dr. Jay Smink, executive director of the National Dropout Prevention Center and author of Helping Students Graduate: A Strategic Approach to Dropout Prevention, was the keynote speaker. Participants also took part in a cross-district consultancy process to promote peer sharing and learning in the continuing development of district dropout prevention plans.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: Massachusetts
National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality Annual "What Works" Conference
"Beyond Highly Qualified: The Development and Distribution of Highly Qualified Teachers and Leaders"
Washington, DC
Fairmont Hotel
The fourth annual "What Works" conference of the National Comprehensive Center on Teacher Quality featured US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Deputy Secretary Tony Miller, and numerous researchers. Plenary, workshop, and working sessions focused on teacher quality issues outlined in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and on efforts to improve achievement by all students, particularly those in high-risk schools or with special needs.
Contact: Jan Phlegar
Email: jphlegawested.org
Related initiative: Teacher and Educational Leader Effectiveness
New Hampshire Instructional Planning Team Meeting
3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time
Concord, NH
NECC staff facilitated a meeting of the New Hampshire Department of Education's Instructional Planning Team to develop the state's five-year plan for implementing an instructional coaching plan statewide.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Cerelle Morrow
Email: cmorrowedc.org
Related initiative: New Hampshire
New Hampshire Accountability Task Force Meeting
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Concord, NH
NECC staff facilitated the Task Force's meeting on moving forward on the performance component of the state adequacy accountability system.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Massachusetts Dropout Prevention and Recovery Advisory Group Meeting
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Worcester, MA
Worcester Technical High School
NECC staff facilitated a meeting of the Advisory Group to review and discuss plans for the 2009-2010 school year.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: Massachusetts
Connecticut Low-Incidence ELL Districts Workgroup Meeting
12:00 - 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Hamden, CT
NECC staff facilitated a meeting of the Connecticut workgroup for districts with low-incidences of English language learners.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: M. P. Avery
Email: maveryedc.org
Related initiative: Connecticut
Rhode Island ELL Directors' Meeting
Providence, RI
Rhode Island College
In partnership with the Rhode Island Office for Diverse Learners, members of the NECC Rhode Island team provided technical assistance to the state's ELL directors.
Contact: Fran Collignon
Email: Fran_Collingnonbrown.edu
Related initiative: Rhode Island
New Hampshire RtI Task Force Meeting
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Concord, NH
NECC staff worked with the New Hampshire RTI Task Force in developing its year 3 plan to support statewide implementation of the Response to Intervention framework.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Meeting of State Leaders on ARRA Assurance for Teaching and Principal Effectiveness
Opportunities for Collaboration on Policies and Strategies
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Woburn, MA
Learning Innovations
NECC staff member Kathy Dunne facilitated a working session for state leaders on possibilities for collaborative approaches to meeting the ARRA assurance for teacher and principal effectiveness.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Kathy Dunne
Email: kdunnewested.org
Related initiative: Teacher and Educational Leader Effectiveness
Webinar: Using the RTI Classification Tool and Resource Locator (CTRL)
2:30 - 3:30 Eastern Time
Online
This is a Web-based self-assessment and resource filtering tool. SEAs can use this tool to determine their level of RTI implementation and find resources that are relevant to their unique needs. The tool is available at www.rtictrl.org.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Webinar: Using the Adolescent Literacy Walk-Through for Principals
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
The Adolescent Literacy Walk-Through for Principals can be used at the late elementary school level, in content-area classes in middle and high school, and with intervention groups or classes. It details what principals should look for in classroom instruction by providing expamples and research background. It contains tools for gathering information about the quality of literacy and reading intervention instruction, for planning targeted professional development, and for allocating resources.
Contact: Andrea Reade
Email: areadermcres.com
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Literacy
"Doing" RtI Right: What Does it Really Mean?
Implementing RtI with Fidelity
Nashua, NH
Radisson Hotel, Nashua
The New Hampshire Department of Education with the assistance of NECC staff hosted a two and a half day summer institute featuring Shannon Harken of the (Iowa) Heartland Area Education Agency. With years of first-hand experience of effective (and ineffective) RtI implementation, Harken presented her "lessons learned" and facilitated workshops for teams of educators from New Hampshire schools and districts.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Download the flyerRelated initiative: New Hampshire
New Hampshire RtI Task Force Meeting
Concord, NH
Plymouth State University
Members of the NH RtI Task Force met with NECC and state department of education staff to finalize the Interactive Guide to RtI in New Hampshire and coordinate planning for the July 7 - 9 RtI Institute in Nashua.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
New Hampshire Accountability Task Force
Concord, NH
NECC staff met with members of the Task Force to continue work on Part I (Input Method) of the adequacy accountability system required by recent legislation.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
New England Math Leaders Network Meeting
Newton, MA
Education Development Center
State-level math leaders from the six New England states met in the first of a series of meetings to explore common challenges, strategies, and solutions for improving mathematics teaching and learning.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Fred Gross
Email: fgrossedc.org
Related initiative: Mathematics
Webinar: Continued Exploration of Professional Learning Communities
Tales from the Field AND Getting the Unions Involved
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
Susan Kennedy of the Connecticut State Department of Education discussed getting unions involved in state-sponsored professional learning communities. Joining her was Amy Brodesky of the Education Development Center, who discussed research and work with schools in Massachusetts and New York that formed internal communities and work collaboratives to help students with disabilities learn math.
Contact: Joe Trunk
Email: jtrunkrmcres.com
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Professional Learning Communities
Webinar: Mathematics Leadership in the 21st Century
Connecting State and District Leadership Through Policy, Data, Research, and Implementation
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
In conjunction with its Mathematics Education Leaders Network, NECC hosted a webinar examining leadership challenges in mathematics. Our featured speaker, Dr. Timothy D. Kanold, presented strategies based on current research, experience, and additional resources to address leadership challenges at the state and district levels. Dr. Kanold is president and CEO of E^2-PLC Consulting, and past president of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.
NECC's math specialist Fred Gross moderated the webinar.
Contact: Fred Gross
Email: fgrossedc.org
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Mathematics
Webinar: Data-Based Instructional Decision Making for English Language Learners
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
Researchers Mabel Rivera and Ani Moughamian of the Center on Instruction's English Language Learners Strand discussed key considerations in using data to plan differentiated instruction for English language learners. Drawing on the most current research on the importance of language proficiency and formative evaluation tools Drs. Rivera and Moughamian explored the role of assessment in improving educational outcomes for English language learners.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: English Language Learners
New Hampshire Accountability Task Force Meeting
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Concord, NH
NH Department of Education
NECC staff members facilitated a review of progress on the first part of the accountability system, a process to measure a school’s provision of adequacy across 11 selected school approval standards, and to develop a plan for the system's second part, a process to measure performance or outcomes of a school’s educational opportunities.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Vermont Integration of Transformational Initiatives Meeting
NECC staff met with staff from the Vermont Department of Education to discuss efforts to organize Response to Intervention at the state level.
Contact: Karen Mikkelson
Email: kmikkelwested.org
Related initiative: Vermont
Maine District Accountability Protocols Team Meeting
Portland, Maine
The District Accountability Team analyzed data collected from Portland.
Contact: Andrea Reade
Email: areadermcres.com
Related initiative: Maine
Rhode Island ELL Directors' Professional Learning Community
NECC staff members facilitate regular meetings of the ELL Director's professional learning community.
Contact: Fran Collignon
Email: Francine_Collignonbrown.edu
Related initiative: Rhode Island
New Hampshire Accountability Task Force Meeting
Concord, New Hampshire
1010 Pleasant Street
NECC assisted the Task Force in its continuing development of the New Hampshire adequacy accountability system.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Webinar: Making Progress on Essential Standards and Assessment Reforms
1:30 - 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time
Online
In the context of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Dr. Stanley Rabinowitz, Director of the WestEd/ CRESST Assessment and Accountability Comprehensive Center, described innovative state-level strategies to define, develop, and benchmark (nationally and internationally) rigorous college and career-ready core standards.
Strategies included considerations for English language learners, students with disabilities, and low-performing students. The discussion included evidence-based principles and practices, methods for PK-13 articulation, approaches to identify and integrate content knowledge and essential skills, examples from states, and the role of state policies and strategies based on best practices.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
New Hampshire Governor's Summit on High School Redesign
Concord, New Hampshire
Grappone Center
NECC staff members supported regional teams at this statewide event.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Maine District Accountability Protocols Meeting
Portland, Maine
The District Accountability team reviewed data analyses completed by work groups.
Contact: Andrea Reade
Email: areadermcres.com
Related initiative: Maine
New Hampshire Accountability Task Force Meeting
Concord, New Hampshire
101 Pleasant Street
NECC offered the Task Force implementation support for its adequacy accountability system.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
New Hampshire RTI Task Force Meeting
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 Eastern Time
Concord, NH
Plymouth State University Concord Campus
Shannon Harkin from the Heartland, Iowa school district gave a presentation on RTI work implemented in her district over the past seven years. Task Force members engaged Shannon in dialogue about plans to support RTI implementation in New Hampshire.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Webinar: Evaluating Teacher Effectiveness
The What, How, and Why of Educator Evaluation
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern time
Online
As states shift their focus from teachers' qualifications to classroom effectiveness, and as teacher evaluations play a larger role in teacher advancement and compensation decisions, what constitutes an appropriate evaluation method assumes increased importance.
Researchers Douglas Harris of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Laura Goe of Educational Testing Service and the National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality (NCCTQ) presented an overview of existing and emerging research on teacher evaluation methods, including value-added models and observational protocols. Tricia Coulter of NCCTQ moderated the session, which included a question and answer period.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Teacher and Educational Leader Effectiveness
Webinar: State Supports for Low-Performing Schools and Districts in the Northeast and Islands Region
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Eastern time
Online
This webinar featured the newly published report, "How Eight State Education Agencies in the Northeast and Islands Region Identify and Support Low-Performing Schools and Districts." Issued by the Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands (REL-NEI), the report found that the eight agencies have created supports and rationales to put federal accountability principles in practice.
Carole Urbano of REL-NEI moderated; co-authors Sonia Caus Gleason of Learning Innovations at WestEd and Leslie Hergert of REL-NEI presented and discussed the report's findings.
Contact: Nick Hardy
Email: nhardywested.org
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Webinar: Continued Exploration of Learning Communities
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
This webinar featured discussions of learning communities now operating in Vermont and Kentucky.
Tiny Muncy of the Vermont Department of Education's Department of Standards and Assessments discussed Vermont's Principals' Learning Communities--their genesis, opportunities. and plans for the future. Bob Fortney and Norka Padilla discussed e-Learning Kentucky, the adult services side of the Kentucky Virtual School. E-learning Kentucky provides online professional development and support for more than 50 communities of educational practice in cooperatives, the Kentucky Department of Education, schools, and districts. More information is available at www.kyvs.org.
Contact: Joe Trunk
Email: jtrunkrmcres.com
Related initiative: Professional Learning Communities
Webinar: Focusing State Standards
The Next Step toward a Coherent K-12 Experience for All Students
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern time
Online
This Center on Instruction webinar examined the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics PK-8 Focal Points and how they may affect state standards. Cathy Seely of the Charles A. Dana Center for Science and Mathematics Education at the University of Texas discussed the challenges of creating a more robust and coherent PK-12 mathematics learning experience that will prepare all students for college and workplace demands.
Contact: Fred Gross
Email: fgrossedc.org
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Mathematics
Webinar: School Practices to Improve Elementary Mathematics Teaching and Learning for Students With Disabilities
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time
In conjunction with its Mathematics Education Leaders Network, NECC co-sponsored a webinar with the Regional Educational Laboratory - Northeast and Islands (REL-NEI) on math education for students with disabilities and other struggling students. Researchers Amy Brodesky and Josephine Louis described a recent REL-NEI Fast Response Study on practices in schools with exemplary math teaching and learning. Senior REL-NEI researcher Michelle LaPointe and NECC math specialist Fred Gross facilitated a discussion on connecting this research to practice and applying the findings in schools.
Contact: Fred Gross
Email: fgrossedc.org
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Mathematics
Webinar: New Resources for Elementary Reading: Materials, Administration, Coaching
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EST
Online
Dr. Debby Houston Miller, deputy director of the Center on Instruction's Reading strand, presented an interactive WebEx to introduce four recently released Center on Instruction products on elementary reading instruction. Reviewing a Reading Program guides users in selecting high-quality core and intervention reading programs. Principal's Reading Walk-Through: K-3 offers principals and other instructional leaders a systematic approach to observing high-quality reading instruction in the classroom. Leading for Reading: An Introductoy Guide for K-3 Reading Coaches is a comprehensive guide for K-3 reading coaches. Using Student Center Activities to Differentiate Instruction is a teacher's guide to more than 500 reading-related activities for students of all abilities.
Contact: Andrea Reade
Email: areadermcres.com
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Policy Challenges Conference: Bridging Research and Practice: Effective Literacy and English Language Instruction for English Learners in the Elementary Grades
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Simsbury, CT
The Simsbury Inn
The NECC and the Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands co-hosted a conference on effective literacy practices for elementary level English language learners. University of California (Irvine) Humanities Professor Dr. Robin Scarcella, one of the primary authors of the Institute of Education Science's Practice Guide Effective Literacy and English Language Instruction for English Learners in the Elementary Grades, delivered the keynote address, followed by a panel discussion on implications of the Practice Guide's reccommendations. Participants also attended workshops on resources and research on English language learners.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Maria-Paz Avery
Email: maveryedc.org
Related initiative: Connecticut
Webinar: Online RTI Professional Development Modules and Resources for Classroom Assessment
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
This interactive webinar featured free online professional development modules and resources provided by the IRIS (IDEA '04 and Research for Inclusive Settings) Center for Training Enhancements to support classroom progress monitoring and curriculum-based assessment, a cornerstone of Response to Intervention (RTI). Presenters Kimberly Skow, Project Coordinator of the IRIS Center; Silvia DeRuvo, Senior Program Associate at the California RCC; and Debbie DeBerry, a practicing School Psychologist in Hardeman County, Tennessee provided hands-on activities for teachers and discussed how these resources have been used in professional development activities by professional developers, site and district administrators, and teacher trainers.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Webinar: Research Study of Rural Middle School Math Teaching
Online Algebra Access in the Northeast
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Online
This presentation, by the Regional Educational Laboratory: Northeast and Islands (REL-NEI), reported on its "Pathways to Math Achievement" study. The three-year study is examining efforts to improve access to Algebra I by 8th grade students in rural Maine and Vermont schools. The webinar outlined the study and design of an online algebra course and the moderator facilitated a discussion among participants.
Pamela Buffington, Maine REL-NEI liaison, was the moderator. Presenters were study participants Cheryl Tobey, Implementation Coordinator, Peggy Clements, Co-Principal Investigator, and Jessica Heppen, Evaluation Director.
Contact: Fred Gross
Email: fgrossedc.org
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Webinar: Online Professional Development Modules and Resources for RTI Implementation
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
This interactive webinar highlighted free online materials provided by the IRIS (IDEA '04 and Research for Inclusive Settings) Center for Training Enhancements to support implementation of Response to Intervention (RTI). Presenters Naomi Tyler, co-director of the IRIS Center; Silvia DeRuvo, Senior Program Associate at the California RCC; Kathy Strunk, director of RTI at the Tennessee Department of Education; and Debbie Williams, program specialist at Hardeman County, Tennessee provided information for professional developers and teacher trainers on the scope of the IRIS RTI materials as well as voices from experts who have used these tools.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Webinar: School Practices to Improve Elementary Mathematics Teaching and Learning for Students With Disabilities
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Postponed because of weather-related school closings in the area.
New date: March 4, 2009, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
In conjunction with its Mathematics Education Leaders Network, NECC co-sponsored a webinar with the Regional Education Laboratory - Northeast and Islands (REL-NEI) on math education for students with disabilities and other struggling students. Researchers Amy Brodesky and Josephine Louis described a recent REL-NEI Fast Response Study on practices in schools with exemplary math teaching and learning. Senior REL-NEI researcher Michelle LaPointe and NECC math specialist Fred Gross facilitated a discussion on connecting this research to practice and applying the findings in schools.
Contact: Fred Gross
Email: fgrossedc.org
Access archived recording of this webinar >
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Webinar: Exploring the Use of Online Learning Communities
12 noon - 1:30 p.m.
Online
This webinar featured Jeff Mao, the Learning Policy Director for Maine, and Stan Freeda and Cathy Higgins of OPEN NH. They discussed their work with online professional learning communities, addressing such issues as participation, beginning an online learning community, challenges, and lessons learned.
Contact: Joe Trunk
Email: jtrunkrmcres.com
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Massachusetts Dropout Prevention and Recovery Initiative Meeting
Worcester, MA
Holy Cross College
This was the kick-off meeting of a state effort to help urban districts address problems related to school dropouts.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Read and listen to presentations >
Related initiative: Massachusetts
Maine District Accountability Protocols Team Meeting
Portland, ME
Team reviewed data from interviews with Portland high schools.
Contact: Andrea Reade
Email: areadermcres.com
Related initiative: Maine
New Hampshire RTI Task Force Meeting
Concord, NH
Plymouth State College
Team reviewed a draft version of the white paper and survey and received Department of Education updates.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Maine District Accountability Protocols Team Meeting
Team conducted interviews at three Portland, ME high schools.
Contact: Andrea Reade
Email: areadermcres.com
Related initiative: Maine
New Hampshire Accountability Task Force Meeting
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Concord, NH
NH Department of Education
NECC staff worked with the Accountability Task Force on designing a process to monitor districts' use of state adequacy funds.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Webinar: Formative Assessment: Improving Teaching and Learning
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
The Assessment and Accountability Comprehensive Center (AACC), in collaboration with WestEd's Schools Moving Up, presented a free online event by Margaret Heritage and Ellen Osmundson of the AACC. The webinar provided information on the knowledge base for formative assessment, ways to elicit evidence to guide instruction, and how to involve students in the assessment process.
Contact: Steve Hamilton
Email: shamiltwested.org
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
CAPELL (Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners) Meeting
Hampden, CT
ACES (Area Cooperative Education Services)
NECC staff facilitated a meeting of the Low Incidence ELL interest group at the CAPELL meeting.
Contact: Maria-Paz Avery
Email: maveryedc.org
Related initiative: Connecticut
Webinar: Knowing Mathematics for Teaching: Implications for Professional Development
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Online
Deborah Ball, Dean of the University of Michigan's School of Education and member of the National Mathematics Panel, discussed findings from her recent work in mathematics instruction, including recommendations from the National Mathematics Panel Report. Dr. Ball was NECC's webinar guest last April and returned at our constituents' requests to continue the conversation.
Contact: Kathy Dunne
Email: kdunnewested.org
Download presentation and play webinar recording >
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
New Hampshire RTI Task Force Meeting
Concord, NH
Plymouth State College
NECC staff met with the NH RTI task force to draft the outline of a state Response to Intervention (RTI) white paper.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Phone: 603-422-8888
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Vermont Secondary School Transformation Conference
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fairlee, VT
NECC staff assisted at a conference for Vermont secondary school transformation teams. Participants examined a secondary school transformation model and learned from representatives of other states that have undertaken this work. Keynote speaker: Larry Rosenstock of High Tech High School, San Diego, CA.
Contact: Karen Mikkelson
Email: kmikkelwested.org
Related initiative: Vermont
Massachusetts Dropout Prevention and Recovery Initiative Meeting
Malden, MA
MA DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
NECC staff worked with Massachusetts DESE staff to design a January conference and ongoing study groups on droupout prevention and recovery.
Contact: Steve Hamilton
Email: shamiltwested.org
Related initiative: Massachusetts
Rhode Island ELL Directors and Coordinators Meeting
Providence, RI
Rhode Island College
NECC staff met with Rhode Island ELL directors and coordinators to assimilate feedback on the desk audit protocol for district monitoring, and to move forward with plans for the ELL regulations guidance document and promising practices presentations.
Contact: Francine Collignon
Email: Francine_Collignonbrown.edu
Related initiative: Rhode Island
Connecticut Meeting on Highly Mobile Students
Cheshire, CT
CT Association of Schools
NECC staff met with the assistant superintendents of Connecticut's 15 priority districts.
Contact: Maria-Paz Avery
Email: maveryedc.org
Related initiative: Connecticut
Maine Accountability Team Meeting
Augusta, ME
Maine Department of Education
NECC staff worked with the Maine team to develop an action plan for statewide data gathering, based on preliminary examination of Portland, Maine data.
Contact: Andrea Reade
Email: areadermcres.com
Related initiative: Maine
Massachusetts Dropout Prevention and Recovery Initiative Meeting
Malden, MA
MA DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
NECC staff met with DESE staff to plan a January conference and support ongoing study groups.
Contact: Steve Hamilton
Email: shamiltwested.org
Related initiative: Massachusetts
New Hampshire SSOS (Statewide Systems of Support) Self-Assessment Meeting
Concord, NH
NH Department of Education
NECC staff met with the New Hampshire team tasked with working on the Center on Innovation and Improvement's Assessment and Planning Process to plan rollout of an assessment initiative.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
New Hampshire Instructional Coaching Meeting
Concord, NH
NH Department of Education
NECC staff met with members of the New Hampshire Department of Education to discuss goals and NECC support for an instructional coaching initiative in New Hampshire.
Contact: Karen Laba
Email: klabarmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Webinar: Using the AACC Data Use Inventory to Build Organizational Capacity
1:30-2:30 p.m. EDT
In this special one-hour Assessment and Accountability Comprehensive Center (AACC) webinar, participants learned about the AACC Data Use Inventory and how states, districts, and schools can use it to build capacity in their organizations. Presenter: AACC/CRESST partners Ellen Osmundson and Margaret Heritage, in collaboration with Julie Duffield of WestEd.
Contact: Ellen Osmundson
Email: eosmundson21comcast.net
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Adolescent Literacy Institute
New Orleans, LA
Maison Du Puy
This meeting featured two Center on Instruction initiatives: a pre-publication discussion of a new document on assessment to guide adolescent literacy instruction and a program on effective intervention for adolescent struggling readers, based on a meta-analysis of 31 studies of interventions. Read the meta-analysis on effective interventions for adolescent struggling readers.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
CAPELL (Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners) Meeting
8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Hampden, CT
NECC presented information on ELLs and facilitated a Special Interest Group on districts with low numbers of English language learners.
Contact: Maria-Paz Avery
Email: maveryedc.org
Related initiative: Connecticut
Massachusetts Dropout Prevention and Recovery Initiative Meeting
Malden, MA
MA DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) Office
Initial meeting between Massachusetts DESE and NECC staff members.
Contact: Steve Hamilton
Email: shamiltwested.org
Related initiative: Massachusetts
Webinar: Relationship between Reading Difficulties and Problem Behaviors
3:00-4:30 p.m. EDT
This Center on Instruction webinar featured recent research linking elementary school students' reading scores and discipline referrals in the earlier grades to discipline referrals in grade 5. Download the source document. Guest speaker: Ken McIntosh.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
New Hampshire RTI Task Force Meeting
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Concord, NH
Plymouth State University Concord campus (2 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH)
NECC staff facilitated this meeting of the NH-RTI Task Force and highlighted research-based resources NECC has identified and posted on CC Groups, in the on-line work environment the Center created for the Task Force.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Rhode Island ELL Team and Office of Diverse Learners Meeting
Providence, RI
RI Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
NECC staff worked with Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) staff to train district representatives in advance of piloting the state's new ELL district monitoring tools.
Contact: Fran Collignon
Email: Francine_Collignonbrown.edu
Related initiative: Rhode Island
New Hampshire QLAP Meeting
Plymouth, NH
NECC presented an orientation to using CC Groups, NECC’s online collaborative space.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Mathematics Team Meeting
Malden, MA
NECC facilitated an all-day meeting to organize and strengthen a forthcoming report on math education.
Related initiative: Massachusetts
Rhode Island Department of Education Meeting on English Language Learners (ELL)
Providence, RI
NECC provided technical assistance in developing the ELL education monitoring process.
Related initiative: Rhode Island
New Hampshire RTI Task Force Meeting
Concord, NH
NECC staff met with Task Force co-chairs and representative of the New Hampshire Department of Education to develop strategies for building capacity.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Rhode Island Board of Regents Meeting
Providence, RI
At this meeting the Board approved new regulations for the education of English language learners, revised with extensive input from NECC working with the RI Office of Diverse Learners.
Related initiative: Rhode Island
Vermont Department of Education Meeting
Montpelier, VT
NECC met with Vermont SEA leaders to plan work to support the state’s Education Transformation Plan.
Related initiative: Vermont
New Hampshire RTI Task Force Meeting
Concord, NH
NECC facilitated an all-day meeting to develop a statement of purpose, reach consensus on goals, and establish working committees.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Maine Migrant Education Task Force Meeting
Augusta, ME
NECC provided technical assistance on a comprehensive needs assessment for migrant students, developing indicators of need and a data collection and analysis plan.
Related initiative: Maine
New Hampshire QLAP Meeting
Plymouth, NH
NECC worked with the writing team and advisory board and discussed the use of CC groups.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Principals' Literacy Leadership Meeting
Online
Work Group 1 completed its evaluation of all resources.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Principals' Literacy Leadership Meeting
Online
Work Group 2 reviewed progress on assessment tool.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
NH RTI Task Force Meeting
Concord, NH
NECC planned and facilitated this meeting to establish group norms, define terms, review summaries of state RTI exemplars, and plan online work, including the use of the CC Groups online collaboration space; presentation by district officials.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Using Coaches to Improve Adolescent Literacy Instruction: A Seminar Series
Literacy Coaching Seminar Two:
Improving Literacy Instruction in the Content Areas
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Concord, NH
NH Department of Education
Ongoing literacy instruction and development needs to be a key part of the broader effort of improving secondary schools. This seminar aimed to assist educators with this by:
- Examining the literacy demands of specific content areas and discussing what literacy skills are unique to each;
- Looking at what teachers need to know about the content areas and what commonalities exist among them; and
- Sharing the research and best practices in secondary literacy coaching being implemented in other states.
Contact: Cerelle Morrow
Email: cmorrowedc.org
Read the descriptions of the seminars in this series >
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
New Hampshire Quantitative Literacy Action Plan (QLAP) Task Force Meeting
Concord, NH
NECC staff met with task force members to plan collaboration and research on other states’ work in developing quantitative literacy standards.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Maine CIPS (Continuous Improvement Priority Schools) Meeting
Online
NECC facilitated a teleconference with Rick Stiggins on formative assessment as a motivator for student engagement.
Related initiative: Maine
Principals' Literacy Leadership Meeting
Online
Work group 1 completed assessment questions and evaluation of all resources.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Principals' Literacy Leadership Meeting
Online
Work group 2 approved the synthesis section of the professional development tool and identified categories for assessment.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
New Hampshire Statewide Systems of Support Meeting
Concord, NH
NECC staff facilitated a meeting of the NH Department of Education to further develop its Tiered Systems of Support approach and to plan a pilot program in Manchester, NH.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com
Related initiative: New Hampshire
New Hampshire RTI Task Force Meeting
Concord, NH
NECC facilitated a meeting to develop New Hampshire's definition of Response to Intervention (RTI) and plan to showcase current efforts.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Regional Meeting on Building Statewide Systems of Support
The New England Comprehensive Center and The Education Alliance at Brown University co-hosted a regional meeting on statewide systems of support that engaged more than fifty state and district representatives from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island in two days of intensive study and discussion. With assistance from the Northeast Regional Resource Center (NERRC) and the National Response to Intervention Center, the meeting focused on seven key topics in the interplay between state education systems and student outcomes.
In order to give participants time to grapple with the topics in some depth, the meeting was structured as a series of two-and-a-half to three-hour topic discussions, complemented by two-hour state team meetings.
Participants appeared to appreciate the opportunity to take time and reflect with others, citing "face-to-face sustained conversations," "time to learn," "time with state people," "focus on big ideas," and "two full days to devote to thinking about this!" among the event's benefits. Other highly valued elements of the event were copious opportunities to interact with representatives from other states and a talk by the event's "critical reflector," Thomas Payzant of Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.
Read full story with excerpts from Payzant's remarks >
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Quantitative Literacy Action Plan (QLAP) Meeting
Plymouth, NH
NECC facilitated the initial meeting of the New Hampshire Quantitative Literacy Action Plan team.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Using Coaches to Improve Adolescent Literacy Instruction: A Seminar Series
Literacy Coaching Seminar One:
Progress Monitoring and Matching Students to Text
In a series of three workshops, tools for differentiating instruction based on student assessments were presented by Dr. Andrea Kotula.
- In the first workshop, participants learned how to create, administer, score, and graph the results of two curriculum-based measures to monitor ongoing progress for adolescents: one for reading comprehension and one for content area knowledge.
- In the second, participants practiced creating, administering, and scoring tests of oral reading accuracy and silent reading comprehension with a specific piece of text.
- The third workshop then identified free or inexpensive tools for estimating the readability of trade-books, textbooks, and electronic text such as primary sources obtained from the Internet; participants practiced using qualitative judgments to fine-tune readability estimates so teachers can match students to appropriate text.
Contact: Cerelle Morrow
Email: cmorrowedc.org
Read the descriptions of the seminars in this series >
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Webinar: Math Education for Educators
Featuring distinguished mathematics educator and researcher Deborah Lowenberg Ball, this webinar offered participants opportunities to deepen their knowledge of current research on math content knowledge for teachers and to consider implications of the research on education policy and teacher preparation.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Teacher Quality Symposium
Bangor, ME
NECC staff facilitated and served as critical reflectors for a statewide meeting of representatives from institutions of higher education to discuss teacher quality and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) standards. NECC arranged to support ongoing work through CC Groups, an online work space.
Related initiative: Maine
Webinar: Colorado's Experience with Infusing Reading Research into Teacher Preparation Programs
This webinar builds on work begun in NECC's first year to support efforts to strengthen the teaching of literacy. One aspect of this work has been to explore ways that the research on reading instruction can inform teacher education policy and practice. Representatives of the Colorado Literacy Council, which advises the Colorado Department of Education on literacy initiatives, discussed their work in infusing reading research into teacher preparation programs.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
New Hampshire Statewide Systems of Support Meeting
Concord, NH
NECC facilitated a meeting to develop an assistance strategy for the New Hampshire Department of Education based on its previous work on aligning standards.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Promising Practices Initiative Meeting
Providence, RI
Rhode Island College
NECC staff provided technical assistance at a meeting of Rhode Island ELL directors on the year 2 roll-out of the Promising Practices Initiative.
Related initiative: Rhode Island
Principals' Literacy Leadership Meeting
Online
Group 2 reviewed reading research for summary section of professional development tool.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Winter Leadership Conference, Office of Diverse Learners
Providence, RI
NECC participated with staff of the Rhode Island Department of Education in a conference for district leadership to support English language learners.
Related initiative: Rhode Island
Principals' Literacy Leadership Meeting
Online
Group 1, working on "Using Data to Guide School-Based Decisions," met to review research for a professional development tool.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Maine CIPS (Continuous Improvement Priority Schools) Professional Development Session
Online
NECC facilitated a Community of Practice teleconference featuring Professor Lisa Dieker of the Central Florida University and the author of numerous books and articles on co-teaching.
Related initiative: Maine
Massachusetts Statewide Systems of Support Regional Meetings
NECC staff facilitated five regional meetings that brought local districts together to apply for state grants designed to spur inter-district collaboration on areas in need of improvement.
Related initiative: Massachusetts
Principals' Literacy Leadership Meeting
Online
Group 2, working on "Methods for Professional Development Delivery and Support," met to review progress in compiling resources for data-driven decision-making.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
New Hampshire Statewide Systems of Support Meeting
Concord, NH
NECC staff met with Department of Education School Improvement staff to review the current status of NH statewide systems of support efforts (SSOS), examine Center on Innovation and Improvement’s SSOS tools, and develop strategies for action.
Related initiative: New Hampshire
Webinar: Response to Intervention, Lessons from the Field
This webinar on implementing Response to Intervention (RTI) featured two elementary school principals, Tom Komp and Merri Greenia, who are using RTI to improve teaching and learning.
Tom Komp, Principal, Boulevard Elementary School, Gloversville, N.Y.
Through shared leadership and data-driven decision-making, Boulevard has established an effective tiered instructional program. Tom describes how the school culture changed to use an RTI approach to improvement.
Merri Greenia, Principal, Wolcott Elementary School, Wolcott, V.T.
Merri is implementing RTI in literacy and mathematics. She focuses on the importance of ensuring fidelity in implementing high quality core instruction and supports in an RTI approach.
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Promoting Student Literacy Through Comprehension: Enhancing Teacher Preparation and Professional Development
A symposium co-sponsored by the New England and New York Comprehensive Centers
Albany Marriott
Albany, NY
Comprehension is the whole purpose and joy of reading. What do beginning teachers need to know and be able to do to teach it effectively?
This and related questions animated educational leaders from higher education, technical assistance, and state and local education departments at a symposium on "Enhancing Teacher Preparation and Professional Development." Featuring literacy experts Michael Kamil and Nell Duke, the two-day symposium brought educators from New York and New England together to discuss scientifically based research in literacy, teacher preparation, state standards, and collaborations to strengthen teaching quality.
Co-hosted by NECC and NYCC, the event built on the 2006 symposia on "Enhancing Teacher Effectiveness," featuring Catherine Snow. "Promoting Student Literacy Through Comprehension" occasioned expanded, deeper conversations and collaboration among a larger number of participants. It also kicked off TQ Online, an online space for teacher educators, professional developers, and policymakers in New York and New England to share ideas and resources, brainstorm solutions, and build networks.
Read full story, listen and download presentations >
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Webinar: Response to Intervention
This webinar on Response to Intervention (RTI) featured Dr. Greg Roberts, Vaughn Gross Center for Reading and Language Arts at the University of Texas at Austin and director of the Center on Instruction's Special Education Strand; Joe Sassone, Senior Program Associate at WestEd and former Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Development for the Vail Unified District in Arizona; John Carruth, Assistant Superintendent, Vail Unified School District, Vail, AZ; and Merri Greenia, Principal of Wolcott Elementary School, Wolcott, VT.
Download and play recording of presentation >
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Webinar: Teacher Quality
3:00-4:30 p.m.
This webinar, for pre-service teacher educators, in-service teacher trainers, and others with a stake in teacher education from New York and New England, was the first to be offered by the NE/NYCC Teacher Quality Collaboration Team.
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Building Academic Literacy in the Content Areas: Perspectives on Practice from Literacy Coaches and Content-Area Specialists
A Regionwide Discussion
Intended for state and district personnel, this event gave participants opportunities to learn about infusing literacy skills into non-English content-area classes, explore the role of the literacy coach in embedding literacy strategies in the content areas, and develop strategies to collaborate with state and district literacy specialists, content area specialists, and coaches, especially with practitioners working with special education students and with English language learners. The keynote speaker was Dr. Nancy Shanklin, director of the IRA/NCTE Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse at the University of Colorado, Denver.
An invitation-only event.
Listen to Shanklin's keynote >
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
January Regional Meeting: Statewide Systems of Support
Framingham, MA
Sheraton Hotel
Paul Reville, president of the Rennie Center, delivered the keynote speech. Other speakers were Alyssa Alston of the Council of Chief State School Officers; Keith Speers, Director of the Office of Field Relations, Ohio Department of Education; and Lauren Morando-Rhim of the national Center on Innovation and Improvement.
Read full story, listen and download presentations >
Related initiative: Statewide Systems of Support
Connecticut Statewide Forum on School, Family, and Community Partnerships
Waterbury, CT
Grand Hotel
The Center supported planning efforts and assisted in facilitating workshops for a statewide forum on School, Family, and Community Partnerships in September, 2006. The keynote speaker was Dr. Joyce L. Epstein, Research Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships at Johns Hopkins University.
Listen to excerpts from Epstein's talk >
Related initiative: Connecticut
Partners in Literacy Symposium 2006
Portsmouth, NH
This NECC-sponsored regional dialogue on teaching reading, drew more than 80 representatives from higher education, state departments of education, local school districts, and educational philanthropies. Coverage of this event includes descriptions of and audio clips from presentations by Catherine Snow of Harvard University, Michael Coyne of the University of Connecticut, Betty Lou Whitford of the University of Southern Maine, Marty Hougen of the Texas Higher Education Collaborative, and Amy Jackson of the National Comprehensive Center on Teacher Quality.
Read and listen to presentations >
Related initiative: Advancing Student Literacy and Numeracy
Connecticut ELL Policy and Practices Meeting
Meeting with RESC group to determine NECC role in developing a presentation to school boards on ELL issues and a flip book on instructional strategies for teachers of ELLs in low incidence districts.
Related initiative: Connecticut