Survey to State Education Agencies on Race to the Top Capacity
U.S. Government Accountability Office
Contents
- Introduction
- Capacity Issues When Implementing RTT Reform Efforts
- Specific Capacity Issues When Implementing RTT Reform Efforts
- Human Capital Capacity
- Financial Capacity
- Stakeholder Capacity
- Support for Implementing RTT Reform Efforts
- Assistance from Reform Support Network
- Assistance from Education Program Office
- Sustaining Capacity to Continue RTT Reform Efforts
- Assistance from Reform Support Network
- Assistance from Education Program Office
- Federal Competitive Grants
- Closing
- Completion
- Thank You
Introduction
1. In your opinion, which of the following statements best describes the overall effect of Race to the Top (RTT) funds on education reform efforts in your SEA?
| Accelerated reform plans already underway | Allowed for the development of new reform plans not previously established | Both accelerated reform plans already underway and allowed for development of new reform plans | No effect on reform plans | Negative effect on reform plans | Don't know | Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
2. What are some of the reasons for your response?
3. How many LEAs in your state were (are) participating in RTT at the following two points in time?
a. At the time of highest participation in RTT
b. At the present time
4. What is the total number of LEAs in your state?
5. Did LEAs in your state formally withdraw from participating in RTT reform efforts?
A. Did LEAs in your state formally withdraw from participating in RTT reform efforts for any of the following reasons?
a. Difficulty keeping pace with timeframes as set forth in RTT reform plans
b. Inability to implement appropriate management support
c. Lack of commitment to RTT reform
d. Negative perceptions of RTT reform (e.g. from the media)
e. Complying with RTT requirements was too burdensome
f. RTT funding was not adequate to accomplish desired reform
g. Lack of stakeholder support
h. LEA no longer exists or merged with another LEA
i. Other
Q5Ai. Other - Open-ended question
6. How would you describe your SEA's overall capacity to implement RTT reform efforts at the following two points in time?
a. At the time of your RTT award
| No capacity |
Minimal capacity |
Moderate capacity | Almost full capacity | Full capacity |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 19 |
b. Currently
| No capacity |
Minimal capacity |
Moderate capacity | Almost full capacity | Full capacity |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 19 |
Capacity Issues When Implementing RTT Reform Efforts
7. The four RTT reform areas are:
1. Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college
and the workplace and to compete in the global economy;
2. Building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform
teachers and principals;
3. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and
principals; and
4. Turning around lowest-achieving schools.
During year 1 of your RTT grant award, how challenging were your SEA's capacity
issues with regard to implementing initiatives under each of the four RTT reform areas?
a. Adopting (and implementing) standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 19 |
b. Building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 19 |
c. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 19 |
d. Turning around lowest-achieving schools
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
8. Currently, how challenging were your SEA's capacity issues with regard to implementing initiatives under each of the four RTT reform areas?
a. Adopting (and implementing) standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
b. Building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 19 |
c. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 |
d. Turning around lowest-achieving schools
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 19 |
9. At what level of quality has your SEA been able to implement RTT initiatives under each of the four reform areas despite capacity challenges?
a. Adopting (and implementing) standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
| Very low quality |
Low quality |
Moderate quality |
High quality |
Very high quality |
Not applicable/ Capacity has not affected this reform area |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 19 |
b. Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals
| Very low quality |
Low quality |
Moderate quality |
High quality |
Very high quality |
Not applicable/ Capacity has not affected this reform area |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 19 |
c. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
| Very low quality |
Low quality |
Moderate quality |
High quality |
Very high quality |
Not applicable/ Capacity has not affected this reform area |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 19 |
d. Turning around lowest-achieving schools
| Very low quality |
Low quality |
Moderate quality |
High quality |
Very high quality |
Not applicable/ Capacity has not affected this reform area |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 19 |
Specific Capacity Issues When Implementing RTT Reform Efforts
10. Organizational Capacity: The extent to which an organization is prepared to
manage and implement grants, including having the appropriate leadership, management,
and structure to efficiently and effectively implement the program and adapt as needed.
Throughout the grant period, how challenging has organizational capacity been
with regard to implementing initiatives under each of the four RTT reform areas?
a. Adopting (and implementing) standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
b. Building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 19 |
c. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
d. Turning around lowest-achieving schools
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 19 |
11. Throughout the grant period, how challenging have the following specific organizational capacity obstacles been to your SEA when implementing RTT reform efforts?
a. Sufficient communication among SEA or RTT staff
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
b. Consistent SEA leadership
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
c. Consistency in other state leadership (e.g., Governor)
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
d. Adequate SEA policies and procedures for RTT reform
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
e. Other
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 9 |
Q11e. Other - Open-ended question
12. Throughout the grant period, how helpful have the following steps been to your SEA in building organizational capacity to better implement RTT reform efforts?
a. Established RTT point of contact or office
| Not at all helpful | Somewhat helpful | Moderately helpful | Very helpful |
Extremely helpful | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
b. Established communication mechanism for staff working on RTT
| Not at all helpful | Somewhat helpful | Moderately helpful | Very helpful |
Extremely helpful | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
c. Reorganized existing program office
| Not at all helpful | Somewhat helpful | Moderately helpful | Very helpful |
Extremely helpful | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 19 |
d. Appointed new RTT leadership
| Not at all helpful | Somewhat helpful | Moderately helpful | Very helpful |
Extremely helpful | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 19 |
e. Other
| Not at all helpful | Somewhat helpful | Moderately helpful | Very helpful |
Extremely helpful | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
Q12e. Other - Open-ended question
13. Throughout the grant period, how has your SEA's organizational capacity improved, stayed the same, or declined with regard to implementing RTT reform efforts?
| Greatly improved | Improved |
Stayed the same | Declined |
Greatly declined | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
14. What overall effect have limitations in organizational capacity had on your SEA's implementation of RTT reform efforts?
| Deferred activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Eliminated activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Both deferred and eliminated activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Modified activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Both deferred and modified activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | No effect on the planned RTT activities | Not applicable, no limitations in organizational capacity | Don't know | Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
15. Has your role as SEA increased, remained the same, or decreased as a result of implementing RTT reform efforts?
a. Our support activities to LEAs
| Greatly increased | Increased |
Remained the same |
Decreased |
Greatly decreased | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
b. Our oversight activities to LEAs
| Greatly increased | Increased |
Remained the same |
Decreased |
Greatly decreased | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
16. What additional comments do you have regarding RTT organizational capacity (e.g. changes in leadership or overall preparedness for RTT grants management and implementation)?
Human Capital Capacity
17. Human Capital Capacity: The extent to which an organization has sufficient
staff, knowledge, and technical skills to effectively meet its program goals.
Throughout the grant period, how challenging has human capital capacity been
with regard to implementing initiatives under each of the four RTT reform areas?
a. Adopting (and implementing) standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
b. Building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 19 |
c. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
d. Turning around lowest-achieving schools
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 19 |
18. Throughout the grant period, how challenging have these specific human capital capacity obstacles been to your SEA in implementing RTT reform?
a. Having appropriate number of staff
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
b. Having staff with appropriate skills
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
c. Training and development of staff
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
d. Recruiting staff with the requisite skills
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
e. Recruiting staff in certain locations (e.g. urban, rural)
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 18 |
f. Retaining staff with the requisite skills
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
g. Retaining staff in certain locations (e.g. urban, rural)
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 19 |
h. Compensating staff competitively
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
i. Obtaining short-term assistance
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 18 |
j. Maintaining technological skills
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
k. Other
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 9 |
Q18k. Other - Open-ended question
19. Throughout the grant period, how much effort has your SEA taken to build human capital capacity for RTT reform through the following actions?
a. Hired new full -time staff
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
b. Hired new part-time staff
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 19 |
c. Rehired former staff (either full or part-time)
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 19 |
d. Trained existing staff
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
e. Expanded the responsibilities of current staff
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
f. Shifted responsibilities among staff
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
g. Contracted with vendor to provide short-term assistance to SEA staff
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 19 |
h. Contracted with vendor to provide technological expertise or specialty skills needed by the SEA
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
i. Contracted with vendors for other purposes to build human capital capacity
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 19 |
j. Other actions to build human capital capacity
| Very great effort | Great effort |
Moderate effort | Some effort |
No effort |
Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 2 | 16 |
Q19i. Contracted with vendors for other purposes - Open-ended question
Q19j. Other actions to build human capital capacity - Open-ended question
If "No effort", "Not applicable", or "Don't know" to 19g, 19h and 19i, please skip to question 22.
20. Throughout the grant period, how much support has your SEA received from contractors the state hired to implement the following RTT reform efforts?
a. Adopting (and implementing) standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
| No support |
Minimal support | Moderate support | Extensive support | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 18 |
b. Building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals
| No support |
Minimal support | Moderate support | Extensive support | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 18 |
c. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
| No support |
Minimal support | Moderate support | Extensive support | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 18 |
d. Turning around lowest-achieving schools
| No support |
Minimal support | Moderate support | Extensive support | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 18 |
21. Throughout the grant period, how challenging did your SEA find the following activities related to using contractors to implement any RTT reform efforts?
a. Selection and awarding of a contractor
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
b. Managing costs associated with the contract
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 18 |
c. Ensuring timeliness of contracted services
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 18 |
d. Ensuring that contract obligations were fulfilled
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 18 |
e. Ensuring quality of contracted services
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 17 |
f. Overall contract management and oversight
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 18 |
g. Navigating internal procurement process (e.g. preparing required documentation)
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
h. Other
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Q21h. Other - Open-ended question
22. Throughout the RTT grant period, how has your SEA's human capital capacity improved, stayed the same, or declined with regard to implementing RTT reform efforts?
| Greatly improved | Improved |
Stayed the same | Declined |
Greatly declined | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
23. What overall effect have limitations in human capital capacity had on your SEA's implementation of RTT reform efforts?
| Deferred activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Eliminated activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Both deferred and eliminated activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Modified activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Both deferred and modified activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | No effect on the planned RTT activities | Not applicable, no limitations in human capital capacity | Don't know | Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
24. What additional comments do you have regarding RTT human capital capacity (e.g., those related to staffing sufficiency or contractors)?
Financial Capacity
25. Financial Capacity: The extent to which an organization has sufficient financial
resources to administer or implement the grant.
When responding to questions in this section, please consider, unless otherwise
instructed, RTT funding as well as other funding that supports RTT reform efforts.
Throughout the grant period, how challenging has financial capacity been with
regard to implementing initiatives under each of the four RTT reform efforts?
a. Adopting (and implementing) standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
b. Building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 19 |
c. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
d. Turning around lowest-achieving schools
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 19 |
26. What overall effect have limitations in financial capacity had on your SEA's implementation of RTT reform efforts?
| Deferred activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Eliminated activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Both deferred and eliminated activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Modified activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Both deferred and modified activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | No effect on the planned RTT activities | Not applicable, no limitations in financial capacity | Don't know | Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 19 |
A. What overall effect have limitations in financial capacity had on these specific RTT related activities?
a. Hiring staff
| No effect |
Eliminated anticipated action |
Deferred anticipated action |
Modified anticipated action |
Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
b. Building data systems
| No effect |
Eliminated anticipated action |
Deferred anticipated action |
Modified anticipated action |
Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
c. Offering training, development and support
| No effect |
Eliminated anticipated action |
Deferred anticipated action |
Modified anticipated action |
Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
d. Developing curriculum
| No effect |
Eliminated anticipated action |
Deferred anticipated action |
Modified anticipated action |
Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
e. Developing statewide assessments
| No effect |
Eliminated anticipated action |
Deferred anticipated action |
Modified anticipated action |
Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
f. Other
| No effect |
Eliminated anticipated action |
Deferred anticipated action |
Modified anticipated action |
Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Q26Af. Other - Open-ended question
27. Did your SEA receive funds to build financial capacity for RTT reform efforts from any of the following sources?
a. State general fund
b. Foundations
c. Non-profit organizations
d. Research associations
e. Private businesses
f. Universities
g. Other
Q27g. Other - Open-ended question
28. Throughout the grant period, how has your SEA's financial capacity improved, remained the same, or declined with regard to implementing RTT reform efforts?
| Greatly improved | Improved |
Remained the same |
Declined |
Greatly declined | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 19 |
29. What additional comments do you have regarding RTT financial capacity (e.g., steps taken to build financial capacity or the effect of limited capacity challenges)?
Stakeholder Capacity
30. Stakeholder Capacity: The extent to which an organization has sufficient support
from its stakeholders, including their authority and commitment to execute reform efforts.
SEA stakeholders include: state leadership, LEA leadership, parents and
community, institutes of higher education, and organizations that represent teachers
and/or administrators.
Throughout the grant period, how challenging has stakeholder capacity been with
regard to implementing initiatives under each of the four RTT reform areas?
a. Adopting (and implementing) standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
b. Building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 19 |
c. Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
d. Turning around lowest-achieving schools
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 19 |
31. Throughout the grant period, how challenging has your SEA found obtaining support for RTT reform efforts from the following stakeholders?
a. State political leaders (e.g. Governor)
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
b. State board of education
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
c. State legislature
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
d. LEA leaders
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
e. Local school board
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 19 |
f. Organizations that represent teachers and/or administrators (e.g. unions)
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
g. Parents and community
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
h. Institutes of higher education
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
i. Other
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
Q31i. Other - Open-ended question
32. Throughout the grant period, how much effort has your SEA taken to build stakeholder capacity for RTT reform through any of the following actions?
a. Consulted with state leadership (e.g. state superintendent, etc.)
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort | Great effort |
Very great effort | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
b. Consulted with LEA leadership
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort | Great effort |
Very great effort | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
c. Built political relationships (e.g. with Governor)
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort | Great effort |
Very great effort | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 19 |
d. Consulted with organizations that represent teachers and/or administrators (e.g. unions)
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort | Great effort |
Very great effort | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
e. Partnered with third party organizations to increase awareness (e.g., nonprofit or private business)
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort | Great effort |
Very great effort | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 19 |
f. Developed a mechanism to communicate with stakeholders
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort | Great effort |
Very great effort | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
g. Conducted outreach with parents, students or community
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort | Great effort |
Very great effort | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
h. Other
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort | Great effort |
Very great effort | Not applicable | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
Q32h. Other - Open-ended question
33. Throughout the grant period, how has your SEA's stakeholder capacity improved, stayed the same, or declined with regard to implementing RTT reform efforts?
| Greatly improved | Improved |
Stayed the same | Declined |
Greatly declined | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 18 |
34. What overall effect have limitations in stakeholder capacity had on your SEA's implementation of RTT reform efforts?
| Deferred activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Eliminated activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Both deferred and eliminated activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Modified activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | Both deferred and modified activities included in the RTT application/scope of work | No effect on the planned RTT activities | Not applicable, no limitations in stakeholder capacity | Don't know | Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
35. What additional comments do you have regarding RTT stakeholder capacity (e.g., the impact of inadequate stakeholder capacity and how it can be built)?
Support for Implementing RTT Reform Efforts
36. What level of effort has your SEA made in order to help LEAs to implement RTT reform efforts by providing the following materials or assistance?
a. Written guidance, policies, and/or procedures
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
b. Assistance finding and selecting contractors
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 19 |
c. Training/professional development (for teachers and staff)
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
d. Technical assistance (e.g. webinars, on-site visits)
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
e. Updated curriculum
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 17 |
f. Provided models and templates for LEAs use
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
g. Assistance recruiting or retaining critical staff
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 19 |
h. Updated technical infrastructure (e.g. to facilitate data transfer)
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
i. Provided support to LEAs on communicating about RTT (e.g. bullet points, fact sheets)
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 19 |
j. Other
| No effort |
Some effort |
Moderate effort |
Great effort |
Very great effort |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 9 |
Q36j. Other - Open-ended question
37. How helpful was any assistance your SEA received from the following entities regarding the implementation of RTT reform efforts?
a. Foundations/nonprofit organizations
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 19 |
b. Contractors hired by the state
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
c. Research organizations
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 19 |
d. Universities
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 19 |
e. State chartered educational service agencies
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 19 |
f. Other
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not provide any assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
Q37f. Other - Open-ended question
38. How helpful have the following types of assistance been from the U.S. Department of Education in building the necessary capacity to implement RTT reform efforts?
Assistance from Reform Support Network
a. Individualized Technical Assistance
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
b. Education Reform Resources (e.g. from publications, white papers)
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
c. Communities of Practice (knowledge transfer)
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 19 |
d. Capacity Building Workstream
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 19 |
Assistance from Education Program Office
e. Individualized Technical Assistance from Program Officer
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 19 |
f. Technical Assistance from other staff in the Implementation and Support Unit
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 19 |
g. Education Reform Resources (e.g. from Education's website)
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
h. Other
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
Q38h. Other - Open-ended question
39. Would your SEA benefit from any of the additional forms of support or guidance from the U.S. Department of Education?
a. Ongoing professional development scheduled throughout the grant period
b. Training provided locally (e.g. in the state)
c. Identifying skilled contractors that could assist with reform efforts
d. Other
Q39d. Other - Open-ended question
40. What additional comments do you have regarding the support your SEA received or provided in implementing RTT reform efforts (e.g., other support your SEA needed)?
Sustaining Capacity to Continue RTT Reform Efforts
41. Sustaining Capacity: To maintain the capacity necessary to continue with RTT
reform efforts even after RTT funding has been exhausted.
How challenging will the following types of capacity be for
your SEA to sustain its RTT reform efforts?
a. Organizational capacity
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
b. Human capital capacity
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
c. Financial capacity
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
d. Stakeholder capacity
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Not applicable |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
42. Has your SEA taken or does it plan to take any of the following actions to sustain its RTT reform efforts?
a. Retain staff with the requisite knowledge and skills
b. Secure supplemental funding from the state
c. Secure supplemental funding from other sources
d. Extend contracted services with key vendors through additional funding
e. Secure supplemental services (e.g. non-profit consulting) through additional funding
f. Repurpose existing funding towards RTT grant priorities
g. Assess future funding adequacy for key RTT reform areas (e.g. multi-year budget forecasting, fiscal notes)
h. Build institutional knowledge (e.g., to reduce reliance on vendors, to sustain progress on reform efforts)
i. Modify existing staff roles and responsibilities
j. Other
Q42j. Other - Open-ended question
43. How helpful have the following types of assistance been from the U.S. Department of Education in sustaining the necessary capacity to implement RTT reform efforts?
Assistance from Reform Support Network
a. Individualized Technical Assistance
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
b. Education Reform Resources (e.g. from publications, white papers)
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 19 |
c. Communities of Practice (knowledge transfer)
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
d. Capacity Building Workstream
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 18 |
Assistance from Education Program Office
e. Individualized Technical Assistance from Program Officer
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
f. Technical Assistance from other staff in the Implementation and Support Unit
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
g. Education Reform Resources (e.g. from Education's website)
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 19 |
h. Other
| Not at all helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Moderately helpful |
Very helpful |
Extremely helpful |
Did not receive assistance |
Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
Q43h. Other - Open-ended question
44. What additional comments do you have regarding how your SEA plans to sustain the capacity necessary to maintain its RTT reform efforts?
Federal Competitive Grants
45. Has your SEA submitted a request for an Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) flexibility waiver from the U.S. Department of Education?
A. Did your state receive approval for its request?
B. How challenging is it to fulfill both the requirements of RTT mandates and deadlines associated with Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) flexibility waivers?
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
46. How challenging is it to fulfill both the requirements of RTT and mandates and deadlines associated with other federal programs (e.g. School Improvement Grants, Title I of ESEA)?
| Not at all challenging | Somewhat challenging | Moderately challenging | Very challenging |
Extremely challenging | Don't know |
Number of respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 19 |
47. In your opinion, what are some of the advantages of the RTT competitive grant process as a means for school reform or improvement?
48. In your opinion, what are some of the disadvantages of the RTT competitive grant process as a means for school reform or improvement?
Closing
49. What other activities not already captured in our survey is your SEA doing to build overall statewide capacity to implement, scale up, and sustain its RTT plans?
50. What is the name, title, email address and telephone number of the person primarily responsible for completing this survey? We might contact this person if we have follow-up questions. Click _____ for more information about how the survey responses will be reported.
a. Name
b. Title
c. E-mail address
d. Phone number
Completion
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