The Work of SMP Northeast
UCLA SMP opened the Northeast Region office in January of 2006. This office, located in Trumbull, Connecticut primarily serves New England and New York. Current program areas include:
Classroom Walk-Through Institutes and Support
Sample projects include:
  • On-site customized CWT institute for staff and administrators, Westport Public Schools, Westport, Connecticut
  • On-going support for CWT implementation as a process to improve student achievement, Prince Edward County Public Schools, Farmville, VA
Program Evaluation

SMP’s evaluation services are centered around our cycle of continuous improvement.  Our comprehensive evaluations combine qualitative and quantitative data to provide a holistic review of federal programs and grants.  We work with our clients to craft ‘early indicators’ — the smaller actions that will ultimately build to the larger goals — and help monitor progress towards achieving these small steps.  This approach provides nearly constant formative feedback.  Summative feedback is provided only after there has been extensive discussion and understanding of progress made.  Sometimes clients are surprised to see us take a seat at the leadership table, but we practice evaluation as an on-going activity, not one to be done ‘after’ or outside the on-going work.
Sample projects include:
  • Evaluation of the federally-funded Smaller Learning Communities Programs, Washington County Schools, Hagerstown, Maryland
  • Comprehensive audit of district programs for English Language Learners, Enlarged City District of Middletown, Middletown, New York
 
Support for English Language Learners

SMP provides a comprehensive system of support and professional development for teachers working with English language learners in the mainstream classroom, by ensuring all teachers are effectively prepared to serve ELLs.  This program is designed to complement services offered by ESL-endorsed teachers and programs.
Sample projects include:
  • Project EX-CELL, professional development and support for four Connecticut districts seeking to improve the achievement of ELL students, funded through a National Professional Development Grant (OELA), Ledyard, Montville, New London, and Stratford, Connecticut
  • On-site customized professional development for staff and administrators, Excel Charter Academy, Boston, Massachusetts
Support for District Leadership

SMP partners with district and central office leadership to support the development and improvement of instructional leadership in a holistic fashion.  SMP works by understanding, and building on, what is in place and working well, building a system that results in increased visibility and accountability for all district leaders.
Sample projects include:
  • Creation of an instructional leadership tool for use by district leaders, and support for its implementation, Bridgeport, Connecticut
  • Revising and supporting the development and use of New Hampshire’s Induction-with-Mentoring Toolkit, designed to support districts in the development of comprehensive systems to recruit, and retain, high quality teachers, State of New Hampshire

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