Our Work

Through coordination and consultation with the U.S. Department of Education(USED) and the Content Centers, and other regional research and service agencies, SECC continually identifies reliable and relevant information related to implementation of NCLB. Types of information include USED regulations and public statements regarding NCLB goals, provisions, and outcomes; SDE planning and compliance documents, reports, and other relevant communication; state requirements, models and materials; and media coverage of the states’ implementation and outcomes. SDE staff members are able to obtain password-protected access to the NCLB Scanning Service.

At least quarterly SECC will provide e-mail updates to SDE staff highlighting information identified through NCLB Scanning Service, furnished by USED, other comprehensive centers, and cooperating service providers. Subscribers to this service submit topics of particular importance to their work, and SECC staff customizes updates in response to such feedback.

To assist SDE staff in promptly addressing queries from policymakers or school-district personnel, SECC compiles evidence-based information to help inform them on aspects of their own work. To ensure quality responses, SECC staff conducts interviews with clients to gain thorough understanding of the query and the context in which the information will be used.

SECC provides training and technical assistance to service providers assigned to work with local leadership teams of principals, instructional supervisors, and teachers to build their capacity to (a) conduct needs assessments and select a focus for improvement efforts, (b) establish goals and develop plans, (c) select and implement research-based instructional materials and approaches, (d) monitor activities designed to improve student outcomes, and (e) collect, reflect on, and analyze data to evaluate the impact of actions on student achievement.

SECC provides training and technical assistance to service providers assigned to work with teachers to improve classroom practice, focusing on evidence-based approaches, strategies, and materials in priority areas identified by each state, including literacy, mathematics, science and integration of technology. Particular attention is provided to specific needs of English language learners, special education students and students at risk or failing to complete high school.