CTAC - Community Training and Assistance Center

10/09/2026

Providence Superintendent Javier Montañez struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia and couldn't read until the 11th grade. Now he uses his own story to lead a districtwide push so every student can become a skilled reader.

Providence Public Schools’ Javier Montañez taps into his personal experience to help his district beat the odds when it comes to third grade literacy.

10/07/2026

What should a high school diploma actually prove? More districts are prioritizing durable skills and career-connected learning—rewriting graduation requirements to match.

Graduation requirements in a growing number of districts now emphasize durable skills and career-connected learning.

10/05/2026

Only 13 states pay teachers more to work in hard-to-staff schools, while 17 offer incentives for shortage subjects. Just 10 require districts to consider performance in teacher pay, according to a new NCTQ report.

State policies incentivizing teachers in hard-to-staff subjects and schools could help districts spend “smarter,” the National Council on Teacher Quality says.

09/25/2026

New teachers often struggle with managing behavior, using varied assessments, and connecting with colleagues. But confidence grows with experience, and strong professional communities can help speed up the process.

Novice teachers have doubts about using different assessment strategies and controlling disruptive classroom behavior.

09/21/2026

K–8 reading scores rose across all grades in 2025–26, and underserved students made the strongest gains. Most grades remain below pre-pandemic levels, but sustained support can build on the momentum and help close remaining gaps.

After years of stalled progress, researchers see promise for schools' pandemic recovery, the assessment and research group said.

09/18/2026

What does success look like in a strong partnership? For Lee Rutledge, it’s trust, shared progress, and partners equipped to carry the work forward. Learn more in our latest .

https://ctacusa.com/employee-spotlight-lee-rutledge/

09/16/2026

Schools ask families to check grades, email teachers, help with homework—but rarely teach them how. Real family engagement means demystifying school systems for everyone, not just those who already know the ropes.

When schools teach families how the system works, their involvement stops depending on privilege.

09/14/2026

Meet Lee Rutledge, a 14-year CTAC team member whose path from classroom teacher to system-level education work has taken him across 40 states—and into long-running partnerships with districts in Providence and Baltimore.

https://ctacusa.com/employee-spotlight-lee-rutledge/

09/09/2026

STEM access in after-school programs is surging, with over 90% of participating students now offered STEM activities. But millions are still missing out, highlighting the need to expand access and close rural opportunity gaps.

Still, 23 million children don’t have access to after-school programming and thus are missing out, an Afterschool Alliance report says.

09/02/2026

Teacher residencies can do more than fill vacancies. See how one California district is using paid, mentored pathways to rethink staffing, support new educators, and build a stronger teacher pipeline.

The most sustainable solution to your teacher shortage crisis is already within your school system. This district can be the model for your next residency program.