Northeast Comprehensive Center
The Northeast Comprehensive Center helps state, district, and school leaders in our region identify, implement, and sustain evidence-based programs and practices, with the goal of improving outcomes for educators and students.
Through the Northeast Comprehensive Center (Northeast CC), AIR is partnering with state, district, and school leaders in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont to empower educators and optimize student outcomes.
In doing this work, AIR supports state education agencies in their central goal: ensuring education systems meet the complex and ever-changing needs of students.
Northeast CC supports states across a range of evolving priorities identified by education leaders in the region.
Current areas of focus include:
English Learners
Northeast CC partners with education agencies to strengthen systems of support for English learners by reviewing and refining statewide guidance to better reflect research, effective practice, and local needs. By elevating promising approaches and “bright spots” from districts, this work helps improve instructional practice and learning opportunities for English learners across a variety of contexts.
Instructional Coaching
The center works with education leaders to strengthen instructional coaching as a lever for improved teaching and learning. This includes developing clear coaching frameworks, practical tools, and professional learning supports that promote strong literacy instruction and sustained improvement in classroom practice.
Ellen Cushing
Principal TA Consultant
State Education Agencies play a vital role in advancing evidence-based, high-impact strategies that improve outcomes for students and educators. I’m grateful to work alongside SEA leaders across the Northeast to build sustainable supports that help systems respond thoughtfully and proactively to today’s educational landscape.
Ellen Cushing
Principal TA Consultant
Math Pathways
Northeast CC supports state and local teams in advancing high-quality, research-based math pathways that promote rigorous and consistent learning for all students. By engaging educators and examining system-wide practices, this work helps develop guidance and tools that strengthen math instruction and support smoother transitions across grade levels.
Clarifying and Strengthening Academic Standards for Student Success
The center collaborates with education systems to clarify the purpose, scope, and structure of academic standards to ensure they clearly define what students should know and be able to do. This work brings together educators, experts, and community members to ensure standards are clear, coherent, and aligned with students’ needs.
