About NPDCI

• Overview
• Rationale
• Proposed Work
• Unique Features
• Funding
• Staff
• National Advisory Board
• Leadership Team
• Work Groups

Unique Features: Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

The National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI) is based on a strong theoretical and conceptual framework derived from the literature on systems change, knowledge utilization and technical assistance. NPDCI's work with states is based on principles of planned change and organizational development that promote state and local control and capacity building through stakeholder involvement while infusing new knowledge and resources into states' efforts.  

Features include:

• Top-Down and Bottom-Up
• Collegial Partnerships
• Vision
• Ongoing Support
• Continuous Improvement

 

Top-Down and Bottom-Up

Both "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches to innovation are necessary. NPDCI defines learning as a dynamic process in which practitioners must be active participants. Change is both an individual and an organizational process. NPDCI works to enhance the individual competence of trainers, TA providers, faculty and consultants in concert with efforts to build collaboration and modify structures among agencies and institutions.

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Collegial Partnerships

Research consistently has demonstrated the importance of collegial support and collaboration in the change process. NPDCI works to enhance such partnerships. The success of building and supporting integrated State Networks hinges on bringing together groups that may not have worked with each other previously. The project helps these groups to share and build on their collective professional experiences as they strive to integrate research and practice across disciplines, agencies, and levels of expertise.

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Vision

The literature suggests that it is important to establish a common vision among stakeholders that identifies the kinds of changes desired. Identifying how new ideas mesh with existing policies and practices increases the likelihood that innovations will succeed. NPDCI will conduct an assessment of national and state needs to identify gaps and support a vision for change.

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Ongoing Support

Research consistently has shown the importance of ongoing feedback, technical assistance, and support for reform efforts, especially when they involve complex changes. NPDCI provides and evaluates an extensive sequence of supports to build and sustain individual, institutional, and state efforts in preparing personnel for work in inclusive community programs.

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Continuous Improvement

NPDCI has a strong focus on continuous improvement to provide project staff the opportunity to plan and adjust implementation strategies in response to needs assessment and evaluation data. Doing so increases the likelihood that evaluation findings are used in ways that benefit participants. This approach serves as a model for states on how to monitor complex organizational change and use evaluation data for making improvements in their programs. We will develop and share evaluation strategies and measures with a particular focus on integrating qualitative and quantitative data to assess the effectiveness of professional development.

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