Region 17 Comprehensive Center Welcomes New Leadership
May 2022
The Region 17 Comprehensive Center is excited to welcome new leaders in two roles. Jennifer Esswein will serve as the center’s new director, and Jacob Williams will serve as the new deputy director.
Research Digest
By Ira Pollack | January 2022
A periodical digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
New Meet-Ups Connect Rural Teachers and Leaders
December 7, 2021
These monthly one-hour virtual gatherings, held the second Tuesday of each month, give rural educators a chance to learn, reflect, share ideas, and receive specific resources they can use immediately in their classrooms.
Tribal Consultation Toolkit
By Jacqueline Raphael | November 29, 2021
Learn about a new toolkit designed to guide effective, inclusive, and culturally responsive consultation that respects Tribal self-determination and advances collaboration between state and local education agencies, schools, and Tribes.
A New Season for Education: Moving Forward Together
By Kimberly Barnes | November 2, 2021
As the colorful fall leaves suggest, a new season of education has arrived. Although pandemic-related challenges persist, we find hope in new opportunities: new funding, new policies, and new ideas for teaching and learning.
Research Digest
By Ira Pollack | October 2021
A periodical digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
Monitoring Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund Plans
By Emi Fujita-Conrads | October 1, 2021
The Department of Education provided additional funding through the ESSER plan to address the urgent needs of teachers and students. How can districts ensure that their ESSER programs are effectively addressing these needs, so appropriate adjustments could be made in time to ensure a positive impact?
Improving Conditions for Learning in Idaho
By Jacqueline Raphael | September 27, 2021
A diverse group of stakeholders from across Idaho have made recommendations for improving the behavioral health and wellness services (BHWS) available to students in the state’s schools.
Research Digest — August 2021
By Ira Pollack | August 2021
A monthly digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
Designing Locally Relevant Plans to Support Learning Recovery
By Jacob Williams | July 16, 2021
Data suggests the COVID-19 pandemic has affected classrooms across the nation unevenly. In response, the U.S. Department of Education is approving state use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to help schools cope with the impact of the pandemic and accelerate the effort to reopen safely.
Research Digest — June 2021
By Ira Pollack | June 2021
A monthly digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
Research Digest — April 2021
By Ira Pollack | April 2021
A monthly digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
Advice for Literacy Leaders in Disrupted Environments
By Jacob Williams | March 3, 2021
Learn about a new set of guides that literacy leadership teams can use to encourage all school staff to collaborate and adapt to modified instructional approaches—whether teaching online, in person, or a hybrid of both.
Research Digest — February 2021
By Ira Pollack | February 2021
A monthly digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
No More of the Same
By Sharyl Allen | February 16, 2021
The review and revision of the Montana Board of Public Education’s administrative rules is required by law every five years. This year’s effort is driven by an urgency to make more wide-ranging changes, especially to educator licensure and teacher preparation.
Research Digest — January 2021
By Ira Pollack | January 2021
A monthly digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
Helping Families Support Young English Learners at Home
By Kelli Scardina | January 2021
Learn about a resource and February 3 webinar focused on helping families of young English learners build on their home language to help students develop their English skills while at home.
Research Digest — December 2020
By Ira Pollack | December 2020
A monthly digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
Circles of Reflection: Collaborating to Create School Environments Where Native Students Thrive
By Jacqueline Raphael | November 9, 2020
The Region 17 CC is piloting a facilitated self-reflection process developed through the National Comprehensive Center’s American Indian and Alaska Native Education project. “Circles of Reflection” engages SEA staff in rich, reflective discussions and strategic planning with tribal communities and school leaders to create school environments where Native students thrive.
Research Digest — November 2020
By Ira Pollack | November 2020
A monthly digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
Idaho Takes Steps to Improve Adolescent Literacy
By Kimberly Barnes | November 6, 2020
ISDE and the Region 17 CC developed two sets of trainings (each with a corresponding evidence-based facilitator guide)—one focused on adolescent literacy and the other focused on teaching academic content and literacy to English learner students. All training materials are available to download.
Research Digest — September 2020
By Ira Pollack | September 2020
A monthly digest for state education agency staff, highlighting research and resources supporting state priorities.
Toolkit Helps Principals Navigate the Return to School
By Jacqueline Raphael | August 31, 2020
There are probably no issues more important to a community than the safety and education of its children. This fall, principals bear enormous responsibility for addressing both in a delicate balance as they lead their schools in reopening safely, effectively, and equitably.
Ways to RISE to the Challenge of Remote Professional Learning
By Cynthia Johnston | July 10, 2020
Northwest Rural Innovation and Student Engagement (NW RISE) Network member Cynthia Johnston reflects on the value of network convenings—whether face-to-face or remote—on her professional development and sense of well-being as an educator.
A Letter from Our Director
By Kimberly Barnes | July 2, 2020
With our country at a turning point, everyone at the Region 17 Comprehensive Center is committed to partnering with our stakeholders to build strong education systems that create a better world for every student. Learn more about our work and how you can be involved.