Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems

A few members of the CIEES team recently completed Certified Scrum Master training conducted by Chris Sims from Agile Learning Labs.

Ann Maydosz, Lisa Gehring, Ynez Peterson, Erin Saxon, and Michelle Young successfully completed the course, passed the certification exam, and are now Certified Scrum Masters through the Scrum Alliance.

This achievement reflects their continued commitment to strengthening agile practices and advancing effective project delivery across our work.

The VDOE's Office of Dispute Resolution Learning Library provides educators and school personnel with professional learning resources focused on special education law, communication, and conflict resolution.

From navigating IEP team disagreements to understanding foundational special education requirements, these modules are designed to support informed decision-making, stronger collaboration, and positive outcomes for students and families.

Explore the learning library here: Office of Dispute Resolution Learning Library - CIEES https://bit.ly/3TaOnr7

Peter and Dana Ortell found their path to special education through the Commonwealth Special Education Endorsement Program (CSEEP) at ODU.

From new beginnings to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with disabilities, CSEEP helped them take the next step in their careers.

Ready to start or advance your journey in special education?
👉 https://bit.ly/4dIBCxv

Summer is the perfect time to start thinking ahead. ☀️

As the school year winds down, it's a great opportunity to reflect, reset, and plan your professional learning path. CIEES is here to help you design a data-informed, goal-driven plan that supports meaningful growth for you and your team.

📚 Ready to get started? Let’s plan together. https://bit.ly/3SNTNbc

Please join us in welcoming Derrick Smith to CIEES as a Financial Services Specialist. A U.S. Navy veteran with over a decade of experience in financial operations and compliance, Derrick brings structure, expertise, and a passion for mission-driven work to the team.

Alongside this role, he is pursuing dual master's degrees in Cybersecurity Management & Policy and Business Administration. We're excited to have him on board and look forward to all he’ll contribute to CIEES!

The CIEES and ODURF teams celebrated Jackie Royster’s 46 years of service at her retirement dinner on May 15, 2026. Jackie retired as CIEES’s Director of Budgeting and Finance, having supported the CIEES and ODURF teams with her incredible accounting, grant management, and budgeting skills as both organizations grew.

The memories shared by her family, coworkers, and Jackie herself told the story of her selfless dedication to her career, her children, and her family. Somehow, Jackie managed to do it all, and every person who worked with her learned something valuable.

As the organization lucky enough to have Jackie on board, CIEES wishes Jackie much happiness in the next chapter of her life!

Accessibility is not a one-time effort—it is an ongoing responsibility that shapes how people engage with information, learning, and systems every day. With more than 1.3 billion people worldwide experiencing significant disabilities and many digital spaces still falling short of accessibility standards, the need for intentional action is clear.

At CIEES, we support organizations in building more inclusive environments through practical tools, expertise, and guidance—from education systems to digital platforms.
Together, we can reduce barriers and create spaces where everyone has equitable access and the ability to participate fully.

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/43He1cY

In the Case Management for Substance Use Disorders series, we take a closer look at how shifting perspective can change outcomes for individuals and families impacted by substance use. When we move away from judgment and toward education, we create space for better care, stronger connections, and more effective support systems.

Special Projects designed and produced the series in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, translating their behavioral health expertise into digital training for case managers across Virginia.

See the series for the case management framework, evidence base, and practice shifts it asks of the field: https://bit.ly/3G5mQ7p

This Memorial Day, we pause to recognize those who gave their lives in service. Their sacrifice is remembered with respect and gratitude, and their legacy continues to shape the communities we serve.

Across Virginia, 59 schools are being recognized for their commitment to building stronger, more connected learning environments as designated Virginia Community Schools.

Each school received a banner to visibly celebrate this important recognition within their buildings and communities, a reminder of the collective work happening every day to support students, families, and educators.

CIEES Special Projects is proud to support efforts that help strengthen implementation, elevate recognition, and bring visibility to meaningful work happening across the Commonwealth.

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