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School Support

At the center of the Department’s approach to school support and improvement is an understanding that support and improvement are most likely to occur through partnership and collaboration.  While the support for schools looks different based on their support model, embedded within each of these models is the opportunity for schools to have ownership and agency around what their plan for support and improvement looks like. 

At the onset of identification, support for schools in the Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) ,and Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) support models focuses on supporting the Needs Assessment process and the development of the initial School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP)

After the first year, the support provided to schools focuses on the implementation of the SCEP and strengthening internal continuous improvement systems and structures. The Department organizes the support offered to schools in the CSI model, while the District manages the support offered to schools in the TSI model.  Schools in the ATSI model are supported by their District and have opportunities to participate in the NYSED-organized Supplemental Supports.  In addition, NYSED provides School Improvement Grant (SIG) funding to districts to support improvement activities outlined in District-level and School-level improvement plans.

SCEP Implementation Support

Throughout the school year, the team that wrote the SCEP should reconvene at certain points to reflect on the efficacy of the plan.

The Department has identified five touchpoints to support school teams as they analyze the implementation of their plan, listen to others about the implementation of their plan, and envision what is needed next so that the SCEP is continually updated throughout the year.  These five meetings are outlined in more detail on the following resource:

Supplemental Support

During the 2023-24 school year, the Field Support team will provide schools in the CSI and ATSI support models supplemental support programs that eligible schools may select to pursue.  Participation in these programs is voluntary.  Schools may select one Supplemental Support. 

More information about the Supplemental Supports being offered can be found with the 2023-24 Supports Catalog and in the collapsible boxes below.

Coaching for Excellence

NYSED will provide eligible schools in the CSI support model specialized training and funding to cover the salary and benefits associated with ADDING a school-based Instructional Coach. More information about this program can be found at the SIG Coaching For Excellence Grant website. 

Specialized Coaching

NYSED will provide on-site monthly School Support Partner (SSP) coaching to a subset of schools in the CSI Support Model. Any school in the Receivership Program, any Elementary or Middle School in the CSI Support Model with a Core Subject Performance Index equal or less than 50, and any High School in the CSI Support Model with a Core Performance Index less than 75 is eligible to participate.

Enhancing Principal Leadership

Enhancing Principal Leadership (EPL) is a two-year program on principal leadership development following a cohort model.  The program offers personalized support to principals to develop leadership skills that lead to success, well-being, and high academic outcomes for all students.  EPL is open to any principal of a school in the CSI or ATSI support model.  

Assistant Principal Mentoring

The Assistant Principal Mentoring Program provides mentoring and learning opportunities to strengthen Assistant Principals on their pathway to the principalship, through virtual cohort session and individualized mentoring sessions. This program is open to assistant principals of schools in the CSI or ATSI support model. 

In addition to the SCEP Implementation Support and Supplemental Supports, the Field Support team will occasionally host opportunities for practitioners to engage with content and connect with one another.  For more information, please see the Professional Learning Opportunities page.