New York State Department of Education (NYSED)

Improving outcomes for students with disabilities

From from 2019-24, the Culture, Race and Equity team at the Bank Street Education Center partnered with the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) on its Office of Special Education (OSE) Educational Partnership as the operator of the Technical Assistance Partnership for Equity (TAP for Equity).

Through TAP for Equity, CRE provided coaching and professional development to improve outcomes for students with disabilities across New York State. In this role, CRE used the Blueprint for Improved Results for Students with Disabilities, the Blueprint for English Language Learner Success, and the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework to guide its work.

Building on this foundation, CRE partnered with NYSED’s Office of Special Education to design and deliver professional development, coaching, and technical assistance focused on connecting teaching and learning to students’ social identities and cultural contexts. In collaboration with other TAPs—for Data, Behavior, Academics, and Transition—CRE helped share research-based and culturally and linguistically responsive practices in special education and inclusive settings across schools and districts.