NCEO’s Technical Assistance team has published the new State Discussion Guide for Communicating SSIP Data with Stakeholders (NCEO Report 452). This guide was developed in collaboration with an NCEO-hosted Peer Learning Group comprising 58 participants from 26 states, ensuring the guide represents practical strategies and recommendations for meaningful communication practices. Federal law requires states to engage stakeholders in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). This federal requirement ensures that efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities are grounded in the lived experiences of those most impacted, including families, educators, and community leaders.

Teams can use this guide to create targeted strategies for different audiences. The guide includes a sample SSIP Data Communication Plan to inform team discussions. A data communication plan is a crucial tool for effectively sharing assessment data and other information with stakeholders. A collaboratively developed plan provides a structured approach for staff to align messages with stakeholder needs and make critical assessment data accessible.