Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems

Every school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

What's one thing you're looking forward to most this year? Choose the option that fits you best, or share your own answer in the comments. We can't wait to hear what's inspiring you this school year.

Back by popular demand! 📚

Our CIEES Summer Reading List continues with a fresh collection of book recommendations from our team. From new perspectives on education and leadership to thought-provoking reads that inspire lifelong learning, this month's picks are perfect for closing out the summer.

Whether you're finishing your vacation, enjoying a quiet weekend, or looking for your next great read, we hope these recommendations inspire you.

What book has made an impact on you this summer? Share your recommendations in the comments. We'd love to hear what's on your reading list!

A new school year means new opportunities to build strong foundations for student success.

Three modules from the Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports' Foundations of Student Success series are especially timely right now: Arranging the Physical Environment, Procedures and Routines, and Defining Classroom Expectations.

Together, they help create safe, predictable, and engaging learning environments where all students can succeed. Explore the full series and discover practical, evidence-based strategies to build strong classroom foundations for the school year ahead.

https://bit.ly/4fZXbfA

Through our Special Projects, CIEES develops accessible digital platforms that help organizations extend their reach, highlight their impact, and connect audiences with the resources they need. From learning platforms and resource hubs to interactive dashboards, we create solutions that make information easier to access, explore, and use.

Learn how CIEES helps turn ideas into meaningful digital experiences.
cieesodu.org

Celebrating schools that make an impact.

We're proud to celebrate this inspiring video from Fredericksburg City Public Schools, showcasing the meaningful work happening to support student mental health and well-being.

It's a great example of what's possible when schools share their stories and promote the resources that help strengthen their communities. We're honored to support the Virginia Career and Learning Center, which connects school mental health professionals with valuable professional learning, career resources, and tools to better serve students across the Commonwealth.

Thank you to Fredericksburg City Public Schools for highlighting the importance of this work. Find resources to support your work as a school mental health professional on the Virginia Career and Learning Center for School Mental Health Professionals.

https://bit.ly/4ftuciH

'26 Mental Health Wellness Safety Resource Fair Hosted at James Monroe High School, this empowering event was dedic...

Across Virginia, Community Schools are showing what’s possible when schools partner with families and community organizations to remove barriers to learning so that every student is prepared to succeed. The new Community Schools Impact Report captures the stories, photos, and firsthand accounts of the people and partnerships behind this work.

Special Projects collaborated with the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Behavioral Health and Student Safety to bring each division’s story to life.

Thank you to every participating school and division that shared its experiences. Together, these stories demonstrate the lasting impact of Community Schools across the Commonwealth. Read the Community Schools Impact Report on the Virginia Career and Learning Center https://bit.ly/4wvE8j5

Congratulations to Dr. Dana Childress, Kristen Ingram, Dr. Ann Maydosz, and Dr. Jonna Bobzien on the publication of their article, "Child Care Directors' Perspectives on Inclusion and Classroom Performance on Quality Rating Observation Measures," in the Early Childhood Education Journal.

The study brought CIEES leadership together with special education faculty at Old Dominion University to examine how child care programs support the inclusion of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with developmental delays and disabilities.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4aFyan4

A website is more than a digital presence—it is often a candidate's first impression of an organization.

When Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP) set out to strengthen recruitment, CIEES Special Projects and our technical partner worked to redesign SECEP's Careers site to better communicate the organization's mission, highlight employee experiences, and connect with individuals passionate about supporting students with special and alternative needs.

Through strategic messaging, inclusive design, digital marketing, and onboarding support, the project helped create a stronger recruitment experience aligned with SECEP's purpose and values.

Learn more about how CIEES helps organizations communicate their impact and reach the right audiences. https://bit.ly/4mtQGTm

Overdose response training should be accessible when and where it is needed most.

Special Projects partnered with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to transform REVIVE! opioid overdose training into a scalable digital learning experience for youth, educators, bystanders, and health professionals.

Through evidence-based instructional design practices and expanded language access, the updated training helps more Virginians recognize an opioid overdose and respond with naloxone.

📊 More than 3,000 learners completed the training
🌍 Available in four languages
📈 55% completion rate, exceeding benchmarks for self-paced learning

Together, we are helping turn knowledge into action and action into lives saved.

Read the full case study: REVIVE! – Expanding Public Health Training Across Audiences - CIEES https://bit.ly/4vYwzBo