At the 2010 National Title I State Directors Conference (NASTID) held at Washington, DC's National Harbor on January 21-24, RMC staffers Linda McDonald and Karen Sanders led a panel discussion on "The Role of Statewide Systems of Support Necessary to Leverage and Sustain Change for State and Districts." NCLB required establishment of Statewide Systems of Support to help schools and districts chronically identified for improvement. The NASTID conference, which is the premier event for school and district leaders working within the Title I program, drew over 3,000 educators from around the country.

The well-attended session provided examples and lessons learned from experienced state and district leaders and technical assistance providers who are part of Statewide Systems of Support. In addition to Drs. McDonald and Sanders, panelists included 2 SEA leaders, 1 district superintendent, and 3 staff from other RMC offices. The panelists discussed change from a systems perspective, the challenges faced in turning around low performing schools, and the leadership and support needed to be effective.