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Innovation and School Reform

Innovation and School Reform

School Support Partners

In New York State’s accountability and improvement system, School Support Partners (SSPs) are external partners contracted by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to provide targeted leadership support, coaching, and improvement assistance to schools placed under Receivership under Education Law § 211-f and Commissioner’s Regulation §100.19. SSP involvement is part of a broader model of support to help schools build capacity, strengthen school level systems and structures, and implement effective lead improvement strategies to meet the needs of all students. The overarching purpose for this targeted support is to accelerate sustainable school improvement by strengthening leadership and instructional practices, reinforcing continuous improvement systems, enhancing student achievement outcomes, and supporting schools with Continuation Plan implementation to meet or exceed required Demonstrable Improvement Indicator (DII) targets.

What is the Role of SSPs in Supporting Schools Under Receivership? 

SSPs serve several critical functions in the Receivership support model: 

  • Coaching and Professional Support 
    • SSPs assist principals and leadership teams with practices such as data-informed instructional leadership, teacher coaching cycles, and professional learning communities (PLCs). 
    • They also provide ongoing coaching and guidance to school leaders and staff on facilitation of the needs assessment survey and the development and implementation of the school’s Continuation Plan lead improvement strategies and structures. 
  • Data-Informed Planning and Monitoring 
    • SSPs help schools interpret performance data and align lead improvement strategies with State-defined DII targets. 
    • They support the implementation and monitoring of the school’s Continuation Plan and help set early, mid-year, and end-of-year progress goals tied to DII targets.
  • Technical Assistance and Systems Building 
    • SSPs assist in strengthening internal continuous improvement processes, including instructional systems, professional development structures, and targeted intervention programs. 
    • They may guide expanded learning time programs, attendance strategies, and other targeted interventions as outlined in the school’s Continuation Plan. 
  • Implementation Support Visits 
    • Schools participating in SSP support must engage in regular, structured visits (monthly) with SSP coaches to review progress, adjust lead improvement strategies, and work through implementation challenges. 
    • NYSED may allocate supplemental funding tied to participation in SSP support, particularly for schools under Receivership to facilitate participation in these activities. 
  • Alignment with NYSED Performance Management 
    • SSPs act as external collaborators as part of the broader NYSED performance management and technical assistance framework, helping schools stay aligned with quarterly reporting requirements, DIIs and other accountability metrics. 
    • They work in conjunction with the Office of Innovation and School Reform (OISR) to ensure schools under Receivership benefit from structured, evidence-based support.