This report summarizes the activities and results of the Central Regional Advisory Committee (RAC), 1 of 10 RACs established under the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.). The RACs were formed to identify the region’s most critical educational needs and develop recommendations for technical assistance to meet those needs. The technical assistance provided to state education agencies (SEAs) aims to build capacity for supporting local education agencies (LEAs or districts) and schools, especially low-performing districts and schools; improving educational outcomes for all students; closing achievement gaps; and improving the quality of instruction. The report represents the work of the Central RAC, which includes Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Committee members convened three times and reached out to their respective constituencies between July 19, 2016, and August 25, 2016. Members of the Central RAC represented a variety of stakeholders, including LEAs and SEAs; institutions of higher education; parents; practicing educators; and organizations serving youths, educators, or both. The members collaborated, communicated, and shared resources using Communities360⁰, an interactive online platform hosted within the larger GRADS360⁰ system housed within the secure U.S. Department of Education environment. Table A provides a list of committee members and their affiliations. Originally there was another representative from the Colorado Department of Education on the Central RAC, but she left for another organization and could no longer participate. An invitation was also extended to a superintendent in Wyoming who declined participation.