Note from the Director

Through understanding one another and the research base, we hope to help urban schools develop democratic governance structures that engage whole faculties and the families they serve to make strategic decisions to improve the learning outcomes realized for every child. This means that children in urban schools with disabilities need access to the same high quality curriculum and results that students without disabilities experience.

NIUSI has success in supporting capacity building in urban schools and school districts. This helps students with disabilities engage in high quality curriculum and learning experiences that improve their ability to succeed in school and post-school opportunities. Headquartered at Arizona State University, the mission of NIUSI is to develop powerful networks of urban local education agencies and schools that embrace and implement a data-based, continuous improvement approach for inclusive practices. Embedded within this approach is a commitment to evidence-based practice in early intervention, universal design, literacy, culturally responsive practices, and positive behavior supports in urban schools.

We hope that by by focusing on these four goals in collaboration with other national organizations, our partners will be able to improve the life chances, available choices, and valued contributions of each student in urban schools. To do so requires that families, professional educators, and schools believe in, recognize, and value the contributions and talents of every student. This ambitious outcome requires the use of diverse learning approaches and strategies that are individually tailored to each person's learning abilities, needs, styles, purposes, and preferences. All work should concentrate on improving the present situation and planning for improved futures, rather than accepting and acquiescing to the way things are. It takes audacity, outspokenness, and perseverance to make the necessary changes. It also takes access to accurate and valid information that is delivered in time to inform decisions and shape policy. By working together, we can inform change individually, and within classrooms, urban schools, and school systems so that each child's life is enhanced. Thank you for visiting us. We hope to get to know you better through virtual conversations on this site.

To a future of hope and possibility for everyone,

Elizabeth B. Kozleski
Director and Principal Investigator
Arizona State University
National Institute for Urban School Improvement

Anne Smith
Project Officer
Office of Special Education Programs
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, D.C.