CAST’s Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems Announces 2024-2028 State Partners
Date:
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
CAST’s Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) is excited to announce its 2024-2028 National Cohort of state partners, further advancing its mission to create inclusive education technology solutions in schools and districts nationwide. After a highly competitive selection process, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have been chosen to collaborate with CITES, each working closely with at least two local education agencies (LEAs) within their states to implement the CITES Framework for inclusive technology ecosystems.
This initiative is powered by a second round of funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), ensuring that CITES can continue its vital work to enhance the effective use of assistive technology for students with disabilities. CITES will guide these states in developing coordinated, inclusive technology systems that bridge educational silos and meet the needs of every student, especially those with disabilities.
Amy Rhone, Director of the Office of Special Education at the Nebraska Department of Education, expressed the state’s enthusiasm: “Nebraska is thrilled to partner with CITES to support its districts in developing coordinated efforts to implement seamlessly inclusive technology systems to support each student, including those with disabilities.”
Lindsay Jones, CEO of CAST, highlighted the transformative impact of this collaboration: “The CITES intense technical assistance will provide the LEAs from the state cohorts with tools to develop streamlined inclusive technology practices, breaking through the educational silos that often hamper the delivery of those services to students with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, have access to the technology they need to succeed.”
The CITES Framework, rooted in evidence-based practices, will continue to be a beacon for LEA teams, offering resources that promote collaboration across education technology, information technology, and assistive technology programs. These resources are openly licensed and readily available, empowering district leaders to tailor them to their specific needs while aligning with state-adopted frameworks such as the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
In addition to its work with state partners, the CITES team will offer many learning and networking opportunities, including a dynamic community of practice for teams and individuals dedicated to fostering inclusive technology environments in their schools and districts. All educational leaders are encouraged to explore and leverage CITES resources to create more inclusive, effective, and technology-rich learning environments.
To delve deeper into CAST's and CITES, visit our websites at www.cast.org and https://cites.cast.org/more/about. Explore how we are dedicated to creating a world where every learner can thrive, regardless of variability.
For CAST and CITES media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Kisha Barton, Senior Director of Communications, at kbarton@cast.org.