SEDL Areas of Expertise
School Transformation
School Turnaround
Turning around chronically low-performing schools requires fast action and strong direction from leaders. Our turnaround specialists assist school and district leaders in developing turnaround plans, establishing expectations and goals, and measuring progress. Learn more
School Improvement
We believe school improvement requires addressing the entire system. We help educators identify needs, develop and implement plans to address them, and assess the results. The goal is to achieve gains in teaching and learning that are significant and sustainable. Learn more
Managing Implementation
School improvement initiatives often involve extensive change. We offer services, tools, and resources to help educators manage the implementation of new initiatives, create conditions for successful change, address staff concerns, and measure progress. Learn more
Leadership
Great leaders produce great schools. We work with education leaders at all levels to build their capacity to plan and support improvement, communicate goals and expectations, build staff capacity, motivate others to action, allocate resources, and track results. Learn more
Improving Teaching and Learning
Reading and Literacy
Strong reading and literacy skills are critical to success in life. We assist educators in strengthening literacy at all levels, from providing guidance on statewide literacy programs to engaging parents in helping their children learn to read. Learn more
Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment
We work with educators to improve the quality of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to help ensure students graduate ready for college or a career. Our expertise in this area includes building content knowledge and standards alignment. Learn more
STEM Learning
A foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is essential to prepare students to compete in the 21st century economy. SEDL provides resources and services to guide educators in improving STEM education and learning. Learn more
Mathematics
SEDL works with educators at all levels to improve teaching and learning in math. This work includes deepening teachers’ content knowledge and assisting them in developing inquiry-based instruction that integrates math with other subjects. Learn more
Response to Intervention
Education is not “one size fits all.” To address the diverse needs of struggling students, SEDL assists educators in implementing RtI, a framework that uses data, tiered interventions, and evidence-based strategies to improve student learning and behavior. Learn more
Early Childhood
The early years shape a child’s development and future academic success. SEDL’s expertise in this area focuses on school readiness, prereading skills, prekindergarten programs, and family involvement in early childhood education. Learn more
Family and Community
Families and communities play an integral role in children’s school success. With partners such as National PTA, we work at all levels to help educators engage families and communities in ways that directly support schools and student learning. Learn more
Out-of-School Learning
Afterschool and other learning programs that occur outside of the traditional K–12 school day can enhance students’ academic success. SEDL strives to raise the quality of out-of-school learning through research, products, training, and assistance. Learn more
Research and Evaluation
Program Evaluation
Educators need to know if their policies, practices, and programs are working and under what conditions. SEDL conducts a variety of customized evaluations to collect, analyze, and interpret data for clients about their policies, practices, and programs. Learn more
Education Research
Research builds evidence about what works. SEDL conducts rigorous research studies to advance education knowledge, enable educators and policymakers to make informed decisions, and solve significant problems in education. Learn more
Knowledge Translation
For research to benefit society, the knowledge must be interpreted and applied. Knowledge translation refers to strategies that move research into practice by improving the relevance, reporting, accessibility, interpretation, and application of research results. Learn more
Technical Support
SEDL provides a continuum of services to develop the capacity of educators to evaluate school improvement efforts, including using evaluation designs, methods, and analyses to help plan and implement programs, policies, and practices. Learn more
Disability Research
In 2010, an estimated 56.7 million Americans had a disability. SEDL works to improve the quality, relevance, and use of disability and rehabilitation research and services to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Learn more
Special Populations
Autism
SEDL conducts research and dissemination activities to improve services and quality of life for the increasing number of Americans with autism spectrum disorders. For instance, we are working to improve vocational rehabilitation and transitional services. Learn more
English Language Learners
The number of English language learners (ELLs) in U.S. public schools is rising dramatically. SEDL has been a leader in this area since our founding in 1966. We offer a variety of products and services to strengthen support for ELLs, including migrant students. Learn more
Adults with Disabilities
Access to high-quality research evidence has the potential to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. SEDL conducts rigorous research with the goal of improving disability-oriented programs, services, and policies. Learn more
Special Education
SEDL provides technical assistance and resources to build the capacity of state and local educators in implementing approaches proven to enhance the academic achievement of students with disabilities in the areas of reading and mathematics. Learn more
