Engage in Inclusive Strategies through the CITES 2.0 Project!

Application available in Mid August!

What is the CITES 2.0 Project?

The CITES 2.0 Project is an incredible opportunity to move the needle toward more inclusive practices through a partnership between the Nebraska Department of Education and the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) at CAST! Districts can apply to receive high-quality technical assistance from the CITES Team at no cost. At least two districts will be chosen for the project. 

What is the CITES Framework?

The CITES framework offers districts a step-by-step process for identifying and removing systemic barriers to the implementation of inclusive technology. The process requires a coordinated effort by district teams to move forward seamlessly with the framework and its practices.  Learn more about the CITES Framework:

Benefits

• High-quality technical assistance at no cost. If your district has been grappling with how to create inclusive technology ecosystems, the CITES team can help! The CITES staff is made up of highly experienced and accomplished experts in the fields of accessibility and inclusive educational practices.  
• Community partnerships with other districts. Build community partnerships with other districts engaged in the work. Participate in a cohort “Slack” channel to share just-in-time support and critical perspectives with peers and other stakeholders across the country.
• Opportunity to learn by doing. Walk alongside districts in your district and collaborate with other districts who have met readiness criteria and are building inclusive technology systems. 
• Be recognized as a national change agent for your role in building inclusive technology ecosystems.
• Starting in Year 2, a small stipend for districts

Responsibilities 

LEA Recruitment Criteria

• Demonstrates a clear understanding and shared commitment to the goals of the CITES Framework  
• Receives a high readiness and fit rating using the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) Hexagon Discussion & Analysis Tool  
• Commits to team representation of LEA (and ESU, if appropriate) leaders in Assistive Technology (AT), Infrastructure Technology (IT), special education, and general education, including roles related to teaching, learning, and assessment  
• Identifies family members of students with disabilities to serve on the leadership team  
• Considers diversity factors, ensuring that the district (and ESU, if appropriate) people involved in the CITES 2.0 project represent the widest possible range of LEA characteristics, including culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse populations as well as high-need, underserved, and other multi-marginalized learners.  
• Agrees to serve as a national implementation model that can be shared as part of CITES Universal Technical Assistance and as a part of the dissemination plan.

1. Coordinate with the CITES team to convene your Leadership Team and district partners for a one-day in-person kick-off meeting between October 2024 and January 2025. This event will be supported and attended by CITES technical assistance (TA) staff. The purpose of the convening will be to (1) develop a shared vision for building and sustaining inclusive technology systems and (2) craft a plan for coordinating efforts over the four years of the project.  
2. Participate in TA provided to your LEA teams.        
3. Maintain communication and coordination with your state partners. 
4. Participate in the CITES Cohort Community of Practice and on the cohort Slack channel. 
5. Support the development and dissemination of CITES products and services. Based on what’s learned from the district teams, national resources will be developed regarding the critical components needed to build and sustain inclusive technology ecosystems. We’ll ask your team for input on the design and content of our products and services; feedback on quality, relevance, and usefulness; and, participation in webinars, conference presentations, case stories, and other dissemination activities.  
6. Contribute to the evaluation of the CITES’ TA. As a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the CITES performance will be measured by an external evaluator. Your team will be asked to contribute feedback through occasional surveys and focus groups.

Activities & Timeline

Brief overview of timeframe commitment 1-4 years 

 Year 1 Commitments:

1. Monthly TA meetings for the CITES District Leadership Team
2. Bimonthly TA calls with combined multi-district cohorts 
3. Participation in regular (once or twice a year) project feedback sessions (surveys and/or focus groups)
4. Completion of project planning tools & documents, including a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU)
5. Partner with CITES team to recruit, select, and onboard at least two LEAs to participate in the project

Summary of Commitments, Years 2-4:

1. Monthly TA meetings for the CITES District Leadership Team 
2. Bimonthly TA calls with combined multi-district cohorts 
3. Participation in regular (once or twice a year) project feedback sessions (surveys and/or focus groups)
4. Engagement in plan-do-study-act cycles with partner districts around CITES framework themes and racices
5. Partner with CITES team to disseminate project activities and findings