FAQ

What is the ideal size for a group of training participants?

Most NEEAC training is offered for groups of 15 40. NEEAC staff strive to preserve the ability to include everyone effectively in whole-group discussions as well as to give small groups and individuals adequate attention. Larger groups may be accommodated through multiple sessions. For some training we require that participants attend in teams of two or more.

Does NEEAC offer full-staff in-service training for a whole school or district?

Yes, such training may be negotiated as part of an extensive plan of professional development and technical assistance for a district.

Are there attendance requirements for training participants?

For multiple- session training, participants are strongly advised to attend all sessions and to arrange their schedules so that they can attend the full session each day. For trainings offered to meet state mandates, full participation in all sessions is required.

Are there reading or research assignments?

All trainings provide suggested readings and resources. Multiple-session trainings require assignments to be completed between sessions e.g., reading and reflection and/or field inquiry. All assignments are discussed in follow-up sessions.

Are classroom/school visits included as a part of the training?

For some trainings classroom visits to individual teachers or school teams follow the professional development sessions or technical assistance. This embedded professional development offers participants the chance to deepen the conversation and apply the subject matter of the training to their particular classrooms or assigned responsibilities.

Do participants have the opportunity to evaluate the training or give feedback?

Some training assesses participants' knowledge through pre- and post-tests on the content of the training. All trainings solicit feedback from participants on their sense of knowledge and skill gained and on their opinion of the quality and usefulness of the training.

How does NEEAC evaluate long-term impact?

Follow-up surveys through Survey Monkey may be used for assessment of long-term impact. District leadership requests that staff respond to surveys NEEAC sends by mail or to phone surveys.

Can participants receive professional development points or academic credit for participating in training?

Some districts offer graduate credit or professional development points for completion of NEEAC professional development offerings. NEEAC provides a certificate of completion, stating the number of training hours, that participants may take to their districts to pursue professional development credit. Participants should check with their district or state to ensure that they have current, correct information on the various types of credit they may receive.

Are there stipends attached to training?

NEEAC does not provide stipends to participants in its training. Participants should check with their district for information pertaining to stipends.

What documentation does a district need to provide to NEEAC prior to designing training?

To tailor training to the needs of the district, NEEAC staff may request documentation, including:

• school improvement plans
• professional development plans
• English language learner service plans
• student performance reports
• policies, specifically bullying and harassment policies.

Particularly helpful are disaggregated data on:

• student academic performance
• attendance
• participation in special programs
• disciplinary actions
• bullying/harassment complaints.

What arrangements do schools or districts need to make for training participants?

Schools or districts need to arrange for participants to be freed from their classrooms or administrative duties so that they may fully participate in the training. This means securing substitute teachers or other seamless class coverage for training that is offered during the school day. It also means ensuring that training does not conflict with other district or school events.

What are the district's logistical responsibilities?

Schools or districts provide:

• appropriate training space, with sufficient arrangement for small-group discussion, as well as whole-group activities
• LCD or overhead projector
• large, non-reflective surface for viewing projection
• copies of handouts for participants
• easels, chart paper, and markers

Is there a cost for NEEAC services?

NEEAC services are provided free of charge.

What types of services does NEEAC provide?

NEEAC provides technical assistance to districts and schools, including charter schools, in addressing equity issues that are related to race, gender, and national origin. See examples of our work.

How does a school or district make a request?

Requests to NEEAC should be submitted in writing to one of NEEAC's co-directors, stating the nature of the request and the goal the district or school aims to address through the service. Requests may also be made using our online Requesting Assistance form.