Systemic Instructional Improvement Program (SIIP)

The Center’s Systemic Instructional Improvement Program provides grants to school districts and technical assistance and coaching to senior-level district staff to help districts restructure their operations and focus on improved student achievement.

The Center works with district leaders because they are key to leading systemic change and redesigning their districts to foster adult and student learning. The Center helps district staff understand the systemic issues and challenges facing the district; focus on a limited number of goals; develop and implement effective strategies; and reflect in a cycle of continuous improvement. 

The Center’s experienced and knowledgeable staff spend approximately three days per month providing technical assistance in each district. They act as critical friends; coach school and district leaders in the use of leadership and facilitation skills; connect districts to resources; encourage documentation and evaluation; and bring an organizational perspective to issues.

In addition to the on-site technical assistance provided by the Center’s staff, administrators from the districts come together every six weeks in two-hour cross-site meetings. The sessions are designed to give participants a clearer understanding of systems thinking and an opportunity to practice tools and approaches that advance systemic reforms in their districts.

The Center is currently providing intensive technical assistance and coaching to fourteen districts serving more than 77,800 students; 42% minority and 28.4% free or reduced lunch.

The Center for School Change is currently not accepting new grant proposals or requests for funds. If you are interested in engaging the Center for School Change to provide technical assistance, please contact Dr. Steven Wlodarczyk, Education Program Officer, at 860-586-2340.