The Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center (ARCC) at Edvantia is one of 16 regional comprehensive and 5 content centers that make up the Comprehensive Center Network funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
The purpose of the comprehensive centers is to provide state education agencies with intensive technical assistance to address the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements and meet student achievement goals.
Resources for ARRA Funds
States accepting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds are required to use these funds to encourage progress in four key areas of school reform identified by the U.S. Department of Education. The Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center (ARCC) has compiled some key resources to assist states and districts in effectively utilizing ARRA funds.
Parent Involvement: Meeting High Expectations with Practical Solutions Self-guided Training DVD
This free professional development tool is designed to guide a team of educators and/or parents in examining existing practices and creating a plan for improving parent involvement at the school, district, and state levels. Using the webcast Parent Involvement: Meeting High Expectations with Practical Solutions, which features national experts, teams explore strategies for overcoming many of the challenges to successfully engaging all parents in their children's academic achievement.
New ARCC Research Brief Now Online
Closing the Achievement Gap: A Tiered Approach to Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities is the second in a series of research briefs focusing on evidence-based strategies for improving the achievement of student subgroups. No Child Left Behind requires schools to set the same academic standards for all students. More than differences in test scores among subgroups, the "achievement gap" can include issues of access to opportunities and attainment. This brief discusses Response to Invention (RtI) and ways it can enhance reading instruction, at the elementary and secondary levels, for students with learning disabilities. The RtI approach offers opportunities for early intervention and the potential to reduce the number of students inappropriately placed in special education.
Closing Gaps and Raising Achievement: A Focus on English Language Learners
This is the first in a series of research briefs focusing on evidence-based strategies for improving the achievement of student subgroups. ELLs represent one of the fastest-growing groups among the nation’s school-aged population. Under No Child Left Behind, schools must set the same academic standards for all students. Teachers, administrators, and other school staff are under tremendous pressure to improve the achievement of these student subgroups. This research brief highlights key findings from research that has identified effective instructional strategies for ELLs.
Review the calendar for ARCC-sponsored events that you can register for online. Additional events from the region or across the nation are also described.