Center X Northeast approaches school improvement using research-based techniques, tools, and processes to promote continuous improvement of K-12 schools. Center X Northeast partners with K-12 school districts in a number of ways. Among these are Grant Development, Evaluation Services, Peer Learning Visits, Support for English Language Learners, and Support for District Leadership.

Evaluation Services

Center X Northeast works in partnership with project staff to measure changes brought about, or enhanced, by new programs and initiatives – but we also work with you to document and analyze the conditions that lead to successful outcomes. This allows us to provide feedback on the development of programs (are we doing what we said we would?) as well as ongoing and valuable information on the impact of changing structures and practices on student achievement and success (are we doing the right thing?).

Regular, ongoing feedback and communication with our clients is a hallmark of Center X NER evaluative partnerships; formative findings are shared frequently and used to proactively identify areas for improvement.

Services include:

• Theory of change, logic model and evaluation plan development
• Survey development, administration and analysis
• Focus group and interview conduct and analysis of results
• Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis

Sample projects include:

• Investing in Innovation (i3) Development Grant project evaluation
      The New England Network for Personalization and Performance Project Site
      Plymouth North High School (MA) Student Work Samples
  
• Structuring and evaluating School Improvement Grant (SIG) efforts
• Smaller learning communities project evaluations
• Teaching American History project evaluations
• Program audits and evaluations (single and multi-site)
• Development and delivery of grant proposals for K-12 school reform initiatives

Collaborative Inquiry Teams (CIT)

We offer customized support and development of teacher-led walkthroughs (professional learning visits).

• Customized CIT institutes or training for your district or school
• Support for implementation of CITs in your district or school

Sample projects include:

• On-site customized CIT institute for staff and administrators, Montville, CT
• On-going support for CIT implementation as a process to improve student achievement, Prince Edward County Public Schools, Farmville, VA

Support for English Language Learners

Center X Northeast provides a comprehensive system of support and professional development for teachers working with English language learners in the mainstream classroom, by ensuring all teachers are effectively prepared to serve ELLs. This program is designed to complement services offered by ESL-endorsed teachers and programs.

• Bridges to Understanding Institute — offered in the fall and spring in New England/New York
• Customized professional development for your district or school
• Support for implementing comprehensive program improvements and student outcomes in your district or school

Sample projects include:

• Project EX-CELL, professional development and support for four Connecticut districts seeking to improve the achievement of ELL students, funded through a National Professional Development Grant (OELA), Ledyard, Montville, New London, and Stratford, Connecticut
• On-site customized professional development for staff and administrators, Excel Charter Academy, Boston, Massachusetts

Support for District Leadership

Center X NER partners with district and central office leadership to support the development and improvement of instructional leadership in a holistic fashion. Center X NER works by understanding, and building on, what is in place and working well, building a system that results in increased visibility and accountability for all district leaders.

Sample projects include:

• Training and support for new classroom teachers
• Monitoring the development and implementation of strategic plans
• Support for the development of quality administrative walkthroughs